Mommy Always Loves You ~ by Jay

Back when Eve was in preschool, Josie came to watch her at home when the JCC was closed for Jewish holidays we don't observe (like the last two days of Pesach). One day I came home in the middle of the day and my daughter, who adored Josie and does not like having her plans changed, turned on me as soon as I walked in the door.

What are you doing here?

I live here.

I don't want you here. Go away.

We don't talk to each like that. Can you say you're sorry?

No.

Well, then you can go upstairs and sit in your room for a while and think about it.

Eve stomped up the stairs, I apologized to the babysitter and went on up to change my clothes and fold laundry. After about 20 minutes, I checked Eve's room and found her fast asleep. I explained to the sitter, made sure there was enough food in the house for lunch, and went on to my next stop.

That evening, when I came home, Eve did apologize. And she started to cry.

It's OK, sweetie. I think you were really tired, and it's hard to be polite when you're tired.

But you're upset.

No, I'm not upset. I'm fine. I'm not mad at you.

That's not what Josie said.

Oh?

Josie said when I'm mean to you, it makes you sad because you think I don't really love you. And I do love you, Mommy, I do. I really, really do.

Oh, sweetie, I know that. And I love you, too, even when I'm angry.

Note to self: I do not ever want my child to feel as if our love for each other is conditional, on either side.

Additional note to self: find a new sitter.