Chapter 17 - My own mistake with Grace
I made one meaningful mistake after the party.
I overprotected.
Everything became:
Are you comfortable?
Do you want to leave?
Do you want Mommy?
At preschool, Grace refused to participate in a group game because another child grabbed a toy.
I almost pulled her from school for the day.
Her teacher said gently:
“She is upset. She is also safe.”
That distinction annoyed me.
Because it was right.
Her therapist later told me:
“Safety does not mean Grace controls every environment.”
I had swung too far.
If she cried, I wanted the situation changed immediately.
But children need ordinary frustration.
Rules.
Waiting.
Sharing.
Correction.
I had to teach:
Aunt Natalie was wrong to hurt you.
That does not mean every adult correction is dangerous.
If a teacher says:
Take turns,
listen.
If Dad says:
Hold hands in a parking lot,
listen.
If Mom says:
No cupcakes before dinner,
May you like
tragically listen.
Healing could not become a world where Grace never heard no.
