I knew this would happen

As a parent, we want to protect our children. We want to make the right decisions. We want them to be happy, to be healthy, to be proud of themselves, to be humble, to be a good friend, to care about others....I could go on and on.

Throughout this journey that my little bun head has taken us on, I have struggled, wondering if we are making the right decisions for her. We know that ballet is her passion, that she has a love for performing, being on stage, being the best at what she does. She is four now and in a level with 5 and 6 year olds. The girls in her class have always embraced her. Some of the girls even stand up for her when parents have thought she was from a younger class level. The parents from her class often tell me that their daughter will go home and say "I want to be flexible like Carlin" or "I want to dance like Carlin". When I am told this I can't help but be proud of my girl.

Because Carlin is younger I have always known that there will come a time when her age will cause some issues. Yesterday, at rehearsals for her upcoming performance some girls from her class were taunting her a bit. Chanting "Carlin's four, Carlin's foooouuurrrr". I didn't hear it at the time but was told by a little girl that Carlin had said "I won't be your friend anymore". So when I went to speak to Carlin about what she had said she informed me of what happened. My pour girl was crushed. It broke my heart to see her upset. I new this would happen at some point. I know this is not the last time this will happen. I know that as she gets older it will get worse, harsher words will be used. I get it!

What amazed me about my sweet, talented bun head is the conversation she and I had after dinner last night. We were going over the days events and she retold the story of what happened. She told me that she, in that moment, didn't know what to do. The only thing that she could think of was to tell them that she just wouldn't be their friend any more. She said that she was sorry she said it. She also said that after she said it she remembered that instead of saying "I wont' be your friend anymore" she should have just walked away, and next time that happens she would do just that.

I am so blessed to have this little girl in my life. She continues to lead me on this journey of her life. She is wise beyond her years, blessed with talent and such a caring heart.

Yes, everyday I will struggle, wondering if we are making the right decisions for her but I think I will continue to follow her lead and trust that we are.

I love you bun head! Momma is so proud! You are four!