A Teachable Moment

TJ Maxx is one of Layla's favorite stores. Why? Because, in her words, they have toys, shoes and purses. What more could a girl want? She may look just like her daddy, but she's all me!

Saturday, Layla and I got to go to TJ Maxx. She was trying on shoes on one side of the aisle and I was trying them on the other side. After just a few minutes Layla came to me and said she wanted her shoes back. "Are you sure?" I said. "You've barely just started."
"I know mom, but a lady was laughing at me."
"What do you mean?"
"I was trying on these fabulous, high heeled shoes and a lady laughed at me."
"Layla, I'm sure she wasn't laughing at you, I bet she was just laughing because you looked so cute. You know, how you make Daddy and me laugh when you do something we think is adorable?"
"No, mom, she was laughing at me."
"Well honey, I don't know why she was laughing. But, when you're doing something you love, don't let the way other people act take away your fun. Don't let them steal your joy."
Pause......
"So," I said, "do you want to go back and try those fabulous shoes on again? I'll come with you."
"No," Layla said, "I'm done."
End of conversation

Today, while driving home from school, out of nowhere, Layla says to me....
"Mom, remember that lady who was a stealer?"
I'm thinking hard....."No."
"Yes you do, the one at TJ Maxx that stealed those things while I was trying on shoes...the one who laughed at me."
"No, sweetie, she didn't actually steel something, she just took away your fun," I said.
"Mom, I didn't see her take anything. That makes no sense."

So much for my deep, teachable moment.