I’m sure you have all heard of the “mama bear” reference before. As a mother, it’s something that just happens. It’s instinct. You naturally protect your child, just as a mama bear protects her cub.
The other day I had a “mama bear” incident.
Let me set the scene.
We were visiting friends that were home for the weekend. We only see these friends about once per year. They have a two year old little girl, so we were excited for Lincoln and her to play together. Saturday they came to our house for lunch, and then we visited them where they were staying on Sunday.
So, we’re in the house and Lincoln picks up this stuffed monkey that is on the floor. He gives the monkey a hug. The little girl freaks her freak on. Obviously she’s not happy that Lincoln is playing with her monkey. No biggie. These kiddos are just learning about sharing, and certainly Lincoln had to share his toys with her the day before. That’s what most of you are probably thinking. HOWEVER, the father of this little girl TOOK THE MONKEY FROM MY SON!!! He in turn gave it to his daughter and said, “oh, that’s her monkey. No one can play with that monkey but her.” Umm, seriously?! That is just not cool in my book. Lincoln looked a bit confused, and pissed off for that matter, and honestly I don’t blame him one bit…I was pissed off myself! They ended up putting the monkey in the other room so my son didn’t contaminate touch him again.
Five minutes later the kids are playing again. They are excited and run into each other. The little girl falls down and cries. Both the mother and father go running toward her, and seriously give my sweet boy the look of death. They thought Lincoln pushed her. I said something like, “wow you two sure are excited running into each other.” Yeah. They ignored me. Instead they were tending to their daughter, while glancing up every few seconds to stare down my two year old.
We ended up taking Lincoln outside to play, however for the rest of our time there we heard comments like, “Wow Lincoln sure has a lot of energy.” And my favorite, “good luck with him.” Nice, huh?! While I typically ignore these comments or nicely say that he’s a typical 2 1/2 year old boy, I really don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to do these sort of things. I mean, it’s probably only going to get worse.
That’s where the “mama bear” comes in.
That’s my son. My sweet boy who just the day before shared his cars and trains with this little girl. Was he happy about sharing? Probably not, but it’s what we do. As parents, it’s our job to teach our children what’s right and wrong.
Giving a two year old dirty looks and looking at them in complete disgust is just WRONG PEOPLE!!! Who the heck does that?!?!
It took all I had to not scoop my sweet boy up and leave then and there. I’m his Momma. It’s my job to protect him.
Danielle
Oh dear me… as a mama (bear) to 4 monkeys I can remember these situations. Which is probably why some of the friends we had before kids came along we are no longer close to (or we only do adult things with). Different parenting styles = sticky situations. Fun times fun times.
Danielle
http://awonderfullifeinfullframe.blogspot.ca/
Phase Three of Life
"Good luck with him" ?!?!? Oooooooooh, that comment might have made me throw a fist or two. You have every right to be ticked off.
breedwoman
AMEN! I knwo my child is not an angel but you better believe NO ONE will tell me "good luck with her"… HELLS to the no! You're better than me for not saying something!
Angela
Oh girl, I have been there! I've had those mama bear instincts, and it took everything I had to not unleash! At a playdate recently we had almost the same thing happen. Great post, and super cute blog!
~Angela @ theharmonbabyfarm.blogspot.com
Jill
Ugg some people, that poor kid has no example! Teachers in school wi justll love her, lol! You go Momma Bear!!!
Pamela
I totally get the mama bear thing! Little Lincoln is such a good boy for sharing & what a learning experience that is! Thankfully you don't get to see them all that often. Maybe the next time that little girl will be older & have learned how to share a little better ๐
Kari
I have the same issue with some family. It drives me nuts. The worst part is as a boy gets older (Rex is 3 now) the energy level gets higher and they get more curious which causes more 'disasters' but being a mom to a boy we know these things are normal but others, especially girl mom's, just don't get it. Good luck keeping the mama bear locked up until really truly needed. It's not an easy job ๐
Camille Griffiths
Sadly, those parents are raising their little girl to be greedy… I always encourage my daughter to share. =/ And you can't blame one child when kids are playing, 99% of the time they're both being rambunctious, normal kids! Those type of parents annoy the heck out of me.
Lea Ann @ Baking Memories Last
My girls are all grown now, but I so remember these days. I don't blame you I would have been upset also.
Mrs EyeCanSee
Oh man have I been there! My friends have a very calm, mild mannered little girl. I have a very active, spirited little boy.
Last time we got together and my son acted up a bit…nothing huge, just a typical toddler tantrum…my friend's husband made some really rude remarks along the lines of "good luck with him." I bit my tongue and just kind of laughed it off, but I was pissed!
Just because your child hasn't tested her limits yet doesn't mean you're some super star parent and my kid is some out of control wildebeast! Talk about a mama bear moment!
Jennifer
"Wow he sure has a lot of energy." Yeah, he's a kid.
"Good luck with him." Oh I don't need any luck. He's awesome. Oh, and the next time she cries for no reason you can throw in a "Good luck with her."
I find people like this so freakin' annoying.