Growing up...a bit at a time

I've discovered that 6 is the magic age of imbalance. Want to be big, but want to be little. Staying up late is fine, but morning is he** on wheels. Can do everything myself, but need your help with so much. Able to debate like a democratic candidate, but need to be carried screaming irrationally to my room every now and then (perhaps also like a democratic candidate!).

The fights have been coming faster than I am equipped to deal with them these days and I despise each and every second of our time spent at each others' throats. It saddens me that my sweet little girl, brimming with kindess and empathy can be so ANGRY sometimes. I don't like chalking it up to age & stage, but the more I talk to other parents, the more it becomes apparent that it is what it is. We just need to come out whole and somewhat adjusted on the other side, I guess.

I've found, though, that giving J really important BIG jobs to do is key to her happiness. She doesn't want to clean her room, or put away her laundry; however, she will gladly load the dishwasher, cut vegetables, or cook at the stove. Yes, I've taken off my "Captain Safety" badge and let her cook at the stove this past week. Supervised (heavily), of course, but mostly on her own. Last weekend it was blueberry sauce for waffles. This weekend it was pancakes. She read the recipe, measured with complete Type-A accuracy, stirred, poured, flipped and served. She even ate at the counter as she cooked, just like Mom. If she starts pouring her own coffee, though, I'll be worried. And hey, with a cute new flipper like this, who wouldn't volunteer to make breakfast??