At the same time, I wanted him to understand that standing up for himself could be done without cruelty.
Later, when the party had quieted down, I told him that he deserved kindness and respect, just as other people did. I also explained that it was possible to express disappointment without deliberately hurting someone’s feelings.
He listened for a moment before asking whether there was any cake left.
I couldn’t help smiling.
He was seven years old, after all.
The Lesson We Took Away
Looking back, I am still amazed
