Observing Parent

Nowadays Đạo and Đán play together most of the time; therefore, I just sit back and observe. When I hear a funny line, I try to write it down. For instance, here is what Đán said to Đạo: “Why can’t I have a normal brother like everyone else?” or “Why can’t I have a brother that’s nice and not weird.” His impression of Charlie Brown is just hilarious.

The other day, we were at my sister-in-law’s house and the kids played Thomas trains together. Khôi chastised Xuân for not playing the way that he wanted. Đạo schooled him, “Khôi, you are being mean to my little brother. He is a baby. Would you like it if I am being mean to your baby brother?” Khôi stopped being mean to Xuân and I didn’t have to step in. My approach is that I let the kids work it out unless they get into a physical fight. Some parents jump in to defend their own kids by yelling at other kids without giving them a chance to talk things out.

As for little Xuân, he is picking up the speed fast and he is not even two yet. I don’t even have to feed him. When he got hungry, he simply climbed up his chair, buckled his belt, and said, “I want cơm (rice).” When he wanted more, he simply asked, “More please, cơm.” When he wanted me to help him find his toy phone, he held my hand and said, “Phone. Phone. Daddy, please help.” When he wanted to be breastfed, he took his mom’s hand and said, “Muốn bú (wanna suck).”