Ode to a Dry Eraser

​This morning, my daughter Keren was upset because she believed that if she used her dry erase marker too much, the one her teacher gave her, she would use it all up and have to throw it away. She knew that this was the fate of dead markers. I was frustrated and told her that markers were meant to be used. She was crying real tears! I couldn't believe what was happening. So you know what I did, right? I gave her a whole, new dry erase marker. Her tears eventually subsided but not until after she asked whether this new, skinnier marker was a dry erase marker. 

Reflection:

1. Be empathetic. This was her "special" marker. I have things that I’ve set aside and haven’t used because I wanted to preserve its “life.” Just because she’s a child, I have no right to decide what is trivial or not. She has feelings too.
2. Listen. It’s important to the message behind the message. She told me this morning that she missed her sister. She is letting me know in her five-year old way that she is grieving. I had to realize that today, that special marker is important and mattered to her because it is hers. 
3. Children grieve too. Children are dealing with loss too during this time. They are having to adjust to new normals too. They miss their teachers and friends. Adults have a hard time with being quarantined too. Kids are no different. She is dealing with this and the loss of her twin. I get it.
4. Find a solution that you can live with. If finding another marker makes her feel better, why not find one.