Running Around

Well I thought this talk would come much later on, but it has happened. I had to sit my daughter down this week and tell her in no uncertain terms that she needed to "stop running around with that boy." He has not been a good influence in her life. Her behavior has been unacceptable. The running around started a few weeks ago and she has refused to listen to her authorities.  She sees him, and her urge is irrepressible, soon they are both running around together. Up she goes and follows his lead. She's a total follower! Where did I go wrong? I feel like a failure of a parent. Perhaps it's her father's 6 month absence that has made such a difference in her life lately. She needs that strong male figure in her life. Maybe she has 'Daddy issues'. This boy isn't really bad per se, but he just lacks direction and self control. I knew it had gotten out of control when her teacher spoke to me last week. "We have a problem with your daughter" she began, and my heart sank. My innocent little daughter- caught running around! Luckily I think we have seen an end to it. After my talk this week she has stopped the running around. When I spoke to her teacher she said things had improved. The influence of the bad boy was not there this week to tempt her however. So I have to brace myself for next week when he is back from vacation and she will either fold under the temptation or ignore him as she has been told repeatedly to do.

The church's nursery (for 18mo-3yr olds) can be a complicated place for a 2 year old.