Why is it that it is important to stay tip-top when your children’s friends are meeting you, more than when yours are?

And this does not just apply to your appearance. It applies to all aspects of your home, be it cooking, house cleaning, etc.  A few years ago, my daughters 4-year old friend had come to our house for a playdate.  She said to me “Auntie, you look like a penguin”. She was referring to my bulging belly and thin legs.  It was not possible to be upset at a little child and so I just laughed it off. After the birth of my kids, I had immersed myself in the well-being of my children and did not take care of myself. This showed and that little girl saw it and spoke openly about it.  Six years have gone by, but every few days when I look at myself in the mirror, I am reminded of that comment.

Then a few months ago, I braided my daughter’s hair when she was going to school. It came slightly crooked, but I did not think much about it. And lo and behold! One of her friends asked her who had made her braid and how it was crooked.  

When this same girl came to my house for a play date, I was on a full alert – buying food from the store instead of cooking, in case she said something that could embarrass my daughter; cleaned my house the entire day and wore nice clothes, just in case.  

It’s the frankness of these kids that makes them scary.  Adults, even when they see and feel something negative, most of them, will not say anything. But with children, you never know.

Do you feel the same way?

Tell me. I want to hear from you.

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