The other day we went to the mall, all four of us, to get Kaleigh's haircut. She goes to a special place that caters to children. It is pretty neat. Next door to it is an indoor playground. I usually let her play for a while after her haircut; there is a height restriction. Anyone taller than 50" cannot enter. Guess who was very disappointed? That's right, Austin.
When Austin walked up to the sign and was well above the limit, he realized that he would not be able to go in with Kaleigh. Oh boy, it was not a happy moment, not at all. Poor Austin started to cry and I took him over to the food court to settle him down. Meanwhile, my husband took Kaleigh into play.
I sat and cuddled Austin and explained that there are somethings he cannot do because he is getting so tall. He is growing like a weed! It was not easy for him to understand that he could not go in and play. Oh my, it really broke my heart to see him cry like that. :( The people around us watching and wondering why he was so upset. I have gotten used to it and can ignore the comments where they used to really get to me. Interestingly enough, because Austin is crying softly and not melting down on the floor, the comments were not the same. They were sympathetic. That's a switch! Austin hid his face from everyone because he is starting to be embarrassed. This is new behaviour for him. He eventually stopped crying but only after I had finally figured out how to put a real positive spin on the fact he could not go into the playground anymore ... Disney World! Good old Disney World!
I told Austin that me may not be able to go to the small indoor parks in the mall anymore because of his height but that it would benefit him when we go to big amusement parks. He will be big enough to go on the big rides because he is tall enough " ... like at Disney World!" That is what popped into my mind. The smile on his face was all the reassurance I needed that all would be well. He knows that we are going to try to make a trip to Florida in the next couple of years and also looks forward to the big rides at the local exhibitions. My husband will go on with him! :D
There is one thing that will be a challenge, Kaleigh is only about 43" tall. Well, you can win them all! ;)
All the best! *HUGS*
4 comments:
What a change! WOW!
That's good that you were able to put a positive spin on the situation and that Austin was able to turn it into a happy situation!
I remember when I first realized I was too big for things like play areas or even trick-or-treating. It's hard to let go of the things you've always loved just because you are too big.
You said it Victoria! :)
HUG! :)
Thank you Judy! :)
Yes, it is so hard when you realize you are just getting to big for certain things. You want to grow up so badly, then when you do, you want to be little again! :)
I hope all is well with you!
*HUGS*
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