My Little Princess

Birthday party today at noon. Granddaughter is coming over this evening. I had grand plans for today. They are not going to happen. Only ordinary Saturday stuff will get done between everything else. I will enjoy tonight with my granddaughter though. She is such a little dolly. I love to read stories to her, color with her, play with the toys she picks out, and go for short little walks with her (just like I did with my kids when they were little). My two youngest kids (still at home) enjoy playing with their niece too.

Children are little for such a short time. There is no way I can spend too much time with her. It's so important (right now) that she learns that she is a valuable person. When she is at my house, we pay attention to her. We listen to her, and talk with her, and put value on her ideas and opinions. She is expected to participate in everything we do together. She is expected to help, and praised for her efforts. She is expected to follow the rules. She has to use a coaster under her sippy cup on the coffee table. She's not allowed to throw wrappers or food on the floor even though the dogs will eat it (we are still working on this one). Toys can't be left on the floor either. The dogs will eat them too. I'm sure there are other rules that are just automatic that I can't think of right now.

She is definitely the princess when she is here, but all my children had their little princess, or little prince, treatment at that age. They remember. They are not jealous of her. They are very helpful and patient with her. She is growing up so fast. In a couple more weeks, we will be having her birthday party.