Milo is obsessed with superheros lately. I’m not sure exactly how or when it started, but now he eats, plays, and bathes with Spiderman and Batman action figures (Superman figures don’t exist right now, apparently). He also wears his superhero costume most of the day, every day. It’s the cutest thing ever. We’ve all been assigned characters to be for Halloween: Milo-Superman, Eliot-Batman, Dad- Spiderman, Mom-Wonder Woman. I’m gearing up to sew costumes with a lot of spandex this year…for everyone except for Dave who has issued me the challenge of making a Spiderman costume without spandex. Hmm. I like a good challenge.

While I think it is really fun for Milo to be so excited about “superguys”,  I don’t love all of the talk and thought of fighting. Even though it is for the protection of the public, or for a greater good, fighting is sort of what superheros do. It’s not something that pre-schoolers should do. In fact, it’s what I spend a lot of energy trying to help Milo avoid! I want him to learn to handle uncomfortable and seemingly unfair situations without agression. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I would love to help him learn to express his feelings, and talk about what is bothering him. Is that unrealistic?

There are many adults who have never learned to control their anger and frustration (myself included from time to time), let alone three-year-olds. I know that the lesson will be a process, and there are sure to be many failed attempts at peaceful solutions. I would love to instill in him, and my other children, the confidence that they can chose their actions, rather than being forced to react to whatever situation arises before them. Having the calm ability to act rather than be acted upon will be such a valuable life skill, and will create such a solid character.

When Dave and I decided to start our family, I thought so much about changing diapers, learning lullabies, and wiping chubby cheeks. As I approach the very tiniest beginning of my eternal endeavor to teach, guide, and instill truth into my children, I am humbled by the vastness of the responsibility. Of course, in a lot of ways, children will grow as they may. But I’ve no doubt that the path we help them walk now will form solid ground for their future decisions. No pressure, right?

Hmm. Well, when we couldn’t find a Superman action figure at the store on Monday, I let Milo choose a Batman sword instead. So, that was a good start to teaching him to not fight. Haha. Actually, it may help provide some additional teaching opportunities…and if it motivates him to stay in his bed all night for three nights in a row (as it was intended to do) I’ll be happy.

I’m obviously taking baby steps in this parenting thing…not leaping tall buildings in a single bound.

If you have any related advice, I’d love to hear it!