PARENTING: TALE OF THE GENTLE WHISTLE

BY VWEDE OVERAH

My two years old baby surprised me with her level of reasoning yesterday evening.

While other family members were busy with school homework and different chores, Vickie and I were in the sitting room. She sat on the rug watching cartoon while I, about three meters away from her, got myself busy browsing and responding to some social media messages.

I soon realize I needed to let out some air. I quickly took a quick glance around me. But for Vickie who was so glued to the TV, nobody was closed by. Besides the fluffy rug under my buttock would suppress any sound, I thought. With this assurance, I went ahead to do the thing. Still on my computer, I slightly bent my waist to the right and tried to release the air quietly. But something went wrong.

It was accompanied by a gentle whistle. I prayed she didn’t notice anything. I stole a look at her and discovered she was looking my direction with surprise written all over her face. The gentle whistle wasn’t gentle enough to keep Victoria glued to her cartoon. Ah! Crisis.

I had to manage this one well. I pretended nothing happened. My girl wouldn’t let it pass just like that.

Victoria: Daddy, did you fart?

Me: Did you hear anything?

Victoria: Yes! Bhuumm!!!

Me: Oh! Excuse me. I am sorry.

Victoria: Okay

She then returned to her cartoon.

I had mixed feelings. A bit embarrassed, naturally and somewhat happy because my girl could now express herself. I will not be the only one that will know about this. I quick went to the kitchen and narrated the incident to my wife. She laughed as she made me know that the baby has been on that level for a while now.

Victoria is my fourth child. She is doing well in pre-school.

Still excited by the experience, I narrated same to some colleagues. It provoked a lot of laughter and surprises about the contemporary toddlers and their ways. But one of them was astonished that I apologized to Vickie. I don’t regard the apology as too much or belittling, after all I was the offending party. Besides, we always teach our children to show remorse and tender apologies whenever they are in the wrong.

No matter the age, status, gender, race, religion, I believe every human being deserve respect.  As parents, we should teach our children respect and go a step farther by leading by example. This is one of the easiest and fastest ways they learn.