shoot!

the whole nature vs. nurture debate fascinates me.  certainly, children are shaped by love, affection, and discipline (and are harmed by their lack), but there is so much that is just ingrainedly innately in little personalities.

thankfully, i figured this out early on, so when people would compliment dylan's good behavior at a restaurant or in the nursery, i could deflect it.  she never threw tantrums or cried, but i couldn't take credit for that:  she was just a sociable kid who was pretty easy going...except for the sleep battles.  her good behavior was God's grace--we couldn't have suvived those first 18 months otherwise.

now that she is two and prone to public outbursts and domestic drama, i try not to take it super-personally, either.  dylan is difficult strong-willed.  my friend says this means she has leadership potential.  nice frame, huh?  somehow, this doesn't provide a ton of encouragement when dylan is defiant at church.  or the library.  or the coffee shop.  or my kitchen when i'm trying to make dinner.

if anyone has discipline tips for toddlers that don't involve spanking, i'm all ears.  time-outs only do so much.

anyway, you know how people alway reference little boys' ability to turn anything into a gun as inherent in their gender make-up?

apparently interest in guns can be nurtured, too.  (awesome, right?) 

it is morning.  jim and suzannah are cuddled together on the couch.  dylan plays within arms reach.  she picks up a slinky and aims it at her parents.


dylan, with enthusiasm and a big grin:  shoot!


jim, firmly:  no.  we don't shoot people.  what do we shoot?


dylan, cheerfully:  deer!


jim:  what else do we shoot?


dylan:  groundhogs!

and scene.

photo:  samuraislice