Dear Aidan,
You know there's a no-gun policy in our house.
Yes, that would be the toy gun, the gun made out of the shape of your hand, and the toast that's bitten into the shape of a gun.
Guns are horribly scary things. Their sole purpose is to hurt whether out of self-defense or with intention to injure or kill.
Many people have died from wars involving guns.
And many more have died in the crosshairs of a rifle or machine gun or whatnot.
Many, in fact, of these are children. Innocent children. And out of respect, Mama is determined not to let you turn any sort of 'gun' into a plaything.
And yet.
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| An AK 47? |
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| What? An ARSENAL? |
Sigh.
I am beginning to agree that boys do have that aggression gene in them that makes them pick up on pretend gun and sword fights. Because that's all you have been doing all November.
You didn't touch that tool box of bricks and sticks for a whole month after we bought it. And all of a sudden, it's as if memories of Mama and Papa making tanks and aeroplanes and carts with it made you realise you could make guns with it.
This month also coincides with a sudden turn in your behaviour towards tantrums and annoyance.
And boy, do you get annoyed easily.
When Lana and Theo come over, you're willing to share but you're also tempted to butt in after 5 seconds and insist you want to play with the same toy. (You'd get upset if we told you off too!)
And then there was that inexplicable meltdown during our Christmas party with Lana, Theo and their parents. Uncle Michel, Papa and Uncle Ian came out in their Santa and reindeer costumes hoping to get a giggle out of you kids and while Lana and Theo were curious and tickled, you simply sulked in the corner. (Your response the next morning when we asked why was, "I was getting tired.")
Let's not forget to mention the times when you didn't like Mama's suggestions of going to bed earlier, drinking your milk quicker, or switching off the TV: I do notice your shooting at me with your 'hand' gun, you know.
I still hold to my theory that you tend to act up around your birthday. But this only means I need to be extra patient, not that you'll be excused, okay? We have to be gracious when our guests come. And don't forget what Mama keeps repeating to you: your friends don't have the same toys you do so they'll be excited to play with yours. Give them a few minutes with each toy and ask for an exchange in a nice way. (And hopefully by the time you read this, you'll already know that 5 minutes is not the same as 5 seconds!)
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| Reading definitely stirs your imagination, little one! |
On your reading list this month are: The Way Back Home (Oliver Jeffers), The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man (Michael Chabon) and Lunchbox: The Story of Your Food. You're really beginning to enjoy superhero themes which has its benefits. Mama reckons it's a good way to learn how to 'control your power (strength)' and help others in need. (Unless of course, you take it the other way and start pummeling your friends at playschool!)
