The sting of the Jellyfish

My six year-old daughter recently made a family of jellyfish. She glued them to a piece of cardboard she pulled out of the recycle bin. She used it because it is blue and she wanted the family of jellyfish to live in the water. I asked her, what does she know about jellyfish. She told me three things she knows:

1. They live in the ocean.

2. They are like octopuses.

3. They sting.

I asked her if her jellyfish sting each other and she said, 'sometimes, but only when they are mad at each other.' She went on 'Like if they take each other's things, they might get mad at each other and sting each other, until their mom tells them to stop. That is unless their mom is in with them....or dad.'

She learned about jellyfish in Kindergarten. She learned about family dynamics here at home.

It made me think. I asked myself, 'Do I sometimes sting too?'

The answer is a shameful yes. I think of just this morning when my kids were (supposed to be) getting ready for school. How many times did I yell at them to hurry it up. At least a half dozen stings on each of them there. Was I kind and patient when they were getting me to sign their homework assignments? (Requirement for entire class not because they are doing poorly). No, I asked why they waited until this morning to get it signed. Sting! Was I sweet and kind and patient while doing my little girl's hair before taking her to afternoon kindergarten? No, I reminded her of the many times (stings) I had to tell her to get ready. And I brushed extra quick to make my point. (She hates this, even if she loves the end result of the hairdressing). Sting again!

Ah, then let me think about my husband. The little verbal jabs I aim his way when there is something bugging me instead of just coming out and telling him. STING! If I am unhappy with him, I should just say so and resolve it rather than sting him.

Why is it that I sting those closest to me, while with strangers, I am different. After all, I put on makeup to go to my writing class. I sit respectful and calm through out even if I disagree with some of the choices of those around me. I think sometimes, 'I am glad I don't have to go home to you!'

But what about my family. They have to come home to me. Although, today my kids are walking home extra slow. I was just thinking about how I need to drive out and find out what is taking them so long....(a mental sting in their direction).

I don't think myself a bad mother. (most of the time anyway)
But I need to remember to think before I sting.
Besides, look at this beautiful, innocent (if stubborn) little girl. She is my teacher today.