Two Kinds of Do Overs

by Jeff Kaufman

Nora (4y) can't yet cross streets on her own, but we're starting to practice. Walking to a farther park, a walk where we often practice, she asked Julia "when we get to the little street can I cross it"? Julia said "we'll need to check in when we get there". But Nora did not check in, and 'practiced' on her own. Even though this was on a tiny street, this was still really unsafe and is something she very much needs to not do. I caught up, spoke to her firmly, she burst into tears, I walked her back, and we did it over together. As soon as she had the chance to demonstrate doing it correctly she cheered up dramatically, and then we had a good time at the park.

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Published: 2025-08-01