My Conversation With A Seven Year Old

Part 2

Niha, my friend's seven year old daughter. She was the sweetest little thing I have ever seen. Her hair neatly tied into a pony tail, she wore a denim shorts and a white T. I asked her few questions about her school, teachers, friends and a lot more. She answered all my questions, all along I was wondering 'How on the hell could she be a pain in the a**'? like her mother hinted.

Me: Are you hungry? Let's have lunch?

7 year old: Alright, what have you got?

Me: You'll see. (I smiled)

7 year old: I better like what I see.  (She frowned)

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7 year old: Carrots? Yuck!

Me: You don't like them? They are good.

7 year old: phew!

Me: You'll have beautiful eyes if you eat carrots. Havn't you seen the rabbit's?

(My attempt to make her eat)

7 year old: That's so funny. Do I look like a stupid?

Me: Kids like carrots, Kids like their food colorful.

7 year old: I am the kid here, you think you know better?

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Me: Do you like Maggi?
7 year old: Nope.
Me: Can I make a peanut butter sandwich for you?
7 year old: Nope.
Me: What do you want?
7 year old: Watch TV! (her eyes still glued to the TV)

Me: To eat?

7 year old: Nothing.
I raised my voice hoping she would eat.

7 year old: Why do all women think that screaming would solve all their problems?

Me: Who told you that? Your dad? (fortunately or unfortunately, he is my friend too)
7 year old: I can see it for myself, mom does it, Grandma does it, now Dhi, you do it as well.

(she is smart if she observed that, isn't she?)

 

I didn't know what to say.

Me: Come lets go out and eat.

7 year old: Do I get to decide, where?
Me: Nope
7 year old: When do I get to decide things?
Me: Wait another 10 years.
7 year old: That's too long
Me: Tell me about it.

I took her to EFC knowing she would like it there, I was right, she ate without complaining and a smile on her face.  On our way back I took her shopping for her birthay gift that I owed her. She bought 2 puzzle books. We had fun and gradually the tension between us seemed to be fading.

Later over the phone.

My friend: How was it? Was she any trouble.

Me: Not very.

My friend: No tell me, very frankly.

Me: What, You didn't leave her with me for character analysis. Did you?

She wasn't very satisfied with my answer.

Me: I am guessing that, she is gonna grow into a very smart, intelligent and pretty woman, but with a lot of attitude issues.

My Friend: I know, I get scared sometimes. I guess, I am a bad mother. How am I gonna fix her?

Me: Don't worry about fixing her, she is not faulty. She just need some guidance, Mom is gonna come and stay with you guys right? She will get what she needs, she'll be fine.

 

I happened to talk to Niha few days back over the phone, I can already see (hear) the difference.

Grandparents ROCK!

My Conversation With A Seven Year Old

Part 1


It was a perfect tuesday, my husband had left for work and there I was peacefully reading the days newspaper. I got a call on my phone (quite unusual for this time of the day). To my surprise it was my long time friend. We kinda share a symbiotic relationship.
Me: hello
My Friend: Kya haal hai?
Me: Huh?
My Friend: Forget it! I need a small favour.
Me: Sure U do!
My Friend: Mom is at the hospital, Davis (her husband) is not around. I need to get to the hospital. I don't want to take Niha (her daughter) with me. U know she can really be a pain in the A** at times. Can you baby-sit her?
Me: What? Is she around you? U can't use words like that in front of a six year old.
My Friend: Seven
Me: Huh?
My Friend: She is seven, not six. She turned six last week. Niha was upset that u did not wish her.
Me: Oh! I totally forgot.
(Isn't my friend smart, not only did she divert my question and to be followed advisory notes on how to bring up a child, she managed to make me feel guilty about not wishing her kid. I do have to baby-sit Niha now)

To be continued...