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Conversations with Carter Mama Journal Parenting

Don’t tug on Superman’s Cape, and other advice

Carter spent the first part of our boating journey alone at the front of the boat, wind blowing his hair, looking serious. He was busy contemplating Jim Croce.

Carter went to the lake today with me, AJ, Aysin and Henry. Carter spent the first part of our boating journey alone at the front of the boat, wind blowing his hair, looking serious. Then he came back to where I was sitting:

Carter tests a theory

Carter: I tested out that old “don’t spit into the wind” thing. Turns out, it’s true.

Later, after getting a chance to captain the boat himself,

Carter Captains the boat

and lamenting the fact that we couldn’t stay longer, and that “that man” (another high school buddy who arrived as we were leaving) called him a “little person,” Carter attempted to calm himself. I attempted to cheer him.

Me: I doubt you would have been able to drive a lot tonight anyway, bud- with that many kids on the boat it’d be harder to be laid back about it.

Carter: Laid back? What’s laid back?

Me: Well, not getting upset easily– going with the flow– taking things as they come. AJ is pretty laid back. (no family examples leaping to mind)

Carter: Hm. Well, I know one thing for sure. I’m not laid back.

Me: (laughing) yeah.

Carter: Well, I guess sometimes I might be, but it’d be extremely unusual.

By Amy Makice

Amy Makice is a social worker actively working on two other family-centered projects, Creative Family Resources and Parenting for Humanity. Amy has a weekly online show on BlogTalkRadio.