Hugs for Sale

Safiyah gives great hugs. And I told her this as I was lotionin’ her up after bath time the other day.

As soon as I said it, she leaned in close and draped her arms around my neck. She smiled. I melted. She really has been a kid on command lately. (If you don’t count her knowledge of body parts, that is.)

Ever since I praised Safiyah on her ability to squeeze tight and make mommy melt, it seems she has been negotiating the value of these oh-so-sweet hugs.

“Safi, that’s not nice.” Hug.
“Safi, put that down.” Hug.
“Safi, time for a nap.” Hug.
I noticed a pattern.

Hugs have become Safiyah’s way of asking for forgiveness, or at least, a means to escape punishment, or scolding. Today, she tested out the value of her hugs in the endless diaper battle we have going.

Safiyah has an obsession with taking off her diaper. I know this is one of many signs that she is, in fact, ready to be potty-trained, but that’s another story. Needless to say, I had been repeating “LEAVE YOUR DIAPER ON” all morning. After finding yet another diaper carelessly discarded on her bedroom floor with no Safi in sight, I had had enough.

Safiyah, I yelled!

The child emerged from the bathroom with lightening speed, rounding the doorway corner like Carl Lewis. It must be said that Safiyah is easily startled. A natural by product of always getting into things she’s not supposed to get into, anytime I call her name, she comes RUNNING – eyes wide and crazed; startled, as if she’s just heard gun shots.

“Safiyah, no more taking your diaper off. You must keep it on”, I advised my naked bottom child.

Eyes wide and blinking, a smile emerged. She opened her arms wide and negotiated her price. . . one juicy hug coming up!

It seems Safiyah has learned early that everybody has a price - even mommy. Her diaper is locked in place for now, but no telling how long this one’s going to last.