Cheese

I like control. I like to cook because then I can control what goes into the dish. I get to choose the ingredients, spices, etc. I am in control. Some may call me a control freak. I tend to agree on most levels. I am trying though. I am trying to let loose just a tiny little bit. I have started letting the kids get dirty and not freaking out. They will wash and it isn't going to kill either me or them. I have started letting them help me pick up toys. I hate the toys to be in an unorganized fashion (all large blocks together, duplos together, dolls together), but I am trying to let go for the sake of my children and my sanity. I am trying. I complain because no one offers to help in the house, but I have realized it is because I don't let them help and I don't often hear/notice the little one's requests to assist. Sometimes it is more difficult to allow the kids to 'help' then it is to just do it myself. Control freak. That's me. But, to show I am getting better:

Dominic asked if he could grate the cheese for me for last night's nachos and quesadillas that we had for dinner (yeah, I am not a fancy cook all the time!). I let go and actually said yes. I am not sure who was more shocked; me for letting go or Dom for me actually letting him help. I had him wash his hands while I cut a child friendly portion of cheese to be grated. And then, deep sigh, I handed the cheese and grater over to the almost 5 year old. I also asked if he needed me to show him how and was met with, 'Mom, I watch you cook all the time. I haven't done it before, but I am pretty sure I can.' Such a big boy. So wise for his age. And, even wiser, he did know how and he did an AWESOME job. And I let him. I let go. Hopefully, I will have the strength to let go a little more often when he asks to help me...