That's Okay
No, it's not.
“Hey, Dad!, I spilled some water on the floor but That’s Okay”
“Hey, Dad!, I fell off my scooter without wearing a helmet but That’s Okay”
“Hey, Dad!, my ball rolled under your car but That’s Okay”
“Hey, Dad!, I lied when I told you I brushed my teeth, but That’s Okay”
“Hey, Dad!, we were late for school today because I had to go to the dentist, but…
The last one is fine and actually IS OKAY.
The rest? mmmmm, not really.
The child recently has started to tell us that whatever the problem she creates, that it’s okay. Regardless of spilled water, perfume or she smashed up the car - whatever the mistake - according to her it’s all okay.
It’s not. Tonight she got into the perfume and makeup again.
The makeup is not big deal, but the perfume reeks. We hid it in the linen closet, but it’s her house too - so she was rooting around in there and found the perfume. She applied it liberally as per the instructions.
When confronted and asked if she found the perfume, and used a LOT OF IT - of course the answer was:
“But That’s Okay”
She says it all the time I don’t think she does not ever say it. If I were a kid psychologist (which I am not) I would guess that this has something to do with boundaries or whatever - but who am I to know?
What I do know that if you screw up and you own up to it, be it spilled water or secret perfume application or hiding the toilet paper on your mother (that happened today, BTW) then yes:
That IS OKAY.
Just don’t come home with a tattoo. Consider this your warning.
We’re doing okay here. (for now)
TH and Co.
Good one, James!