Yesterday our cupboards were bare. We were in desperate need of a trip to the grocery store and unfortunately, we ran out of bread. There was no way to make a sandwich for Alexandra's lunch, and we had nothing else to whip up.
So I asked her if she would buy her lunch instead. She quickly responded "OK" and I carried on as usual.
Later that night she approached me with some concern:
"I am the worst at getting my lunch at school. I am terrible at it. Last time I got the salad everywhere. I am the worst," she told me.
There had been only one other time when she had bought lunch. Apparently it didn't go exactly like she thought. Now she was nervous about it and told me that she really, really wanted to bring her lunch.
My first instinct was to do whatever I could to ease her worries. I was ready to change out of my pajamas and go to the store for bread. I don't like to see my children uneasy. But then I thought through the situation. I realized that this would be a small confidence boosting opportunity. She needed to face this fear, she needed to buy her lunch.
So I calmly told her that everything would be fine and that she would still be buying her lunch at school.
And guess what.....she did great! A small moment, but one that helped build self confidence and independence.
Oh yes, and I made it to the grocery store today! Our kitchen is restocked and Alexandra will have her lunchbox in hand again tomorrow morning.
