Butterfly Effect

Being the first child of a very capable English teacher had its positive effects on me. My dad told me a lot of stories. In-fact, for every situation he had a story to tell. I often would get upset that he is trying to convey something in a roundabout way and this I have inherited too, fortunately or unfortunately?? I am not sure which, only time will tell.

Like all "good" parents, we've been doing our good share of reading to the children. In my case I often make up my own stories too. But most of the time if I spot a good story I use it as a weapon to teach my little boys, something that I have been trying hard to explain to them in plain words. I am not sure if we humans are just wired to read between the lines more than what is expressed clearly. However, when I put something into perspective via a metaphor or a story they get it. Perhaps, that explains why stories are so powerful or why the bible is full of parables.

Recently I have been using a story I read somewhere online about a little butterfly who would drink only one type of flower nectar and thus didn't have colorful wings. His mother explains that he must drink from more flowers to get prettier wings. Then one day he sees the most beautiful butterfly and then realizes why he must try different flowers too.

This is a spot-on story for my situation with an ultra picky eater. I have been using this story successfully to explain why he should try different foods. I also have been reading "the very hungry caterpillar" to his brother (a caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly). So, the current favorites in our household of two boys, are butterfly stories. :)

At dinner time last night, after getting a mouthful of assorted vegetables, Ishaan squirmed. I immediately reminded him why he should eat different types of food. He articulated that he got the point by saying, "oh yes! If I eat different types of food, I will become like a beautiful butterfly".

Then .. a long pause....

"But," he continued,

Another deliberate pause ...

"I cannot become a butterfly mamma, Because I am not a caterpillar!"

Oh, the joys of motherhood, especially when you get a taste of your own medicine back!!!!!