Bon Appetit!

In an attempt to help Bryce become more independent, I have tried to relinquish some control issues I have. The typical stuff, I think. I try to let him pour his own milk, and stay calm when it ends up on the floor. I try to let him wipe his own *ss, even though I worry about him being the smelly kid at school. I try to let him stir the mac n' cheese, feed the dog, tie his own shoe, buckle his own seat belt....well, you get it!

Part of me doesn't want him to be independent for the fear that he doesn't need me as much sets in. On the other hand, I love when he can do things on his own. It makes me so proud and I want him to grow and get big and be independent, just not so fast!

Well, tonight he said he was hungry. I ran through a list of things I could make him for dinner. He said he wanted a cup of noodle soup. I felt like this was a great opportunity to let him be independent. I told him he could make it if he wanted. He got so excited! I didn't help, I just instructed from the sidelines. "Tear off the plastic, fill with water to the line, put it in the microwave and press one. Put in some ice and ENJOY!"

He gets done "cooking" his cup of noodle and there is a smile stretching from ear to ear. He is beaming with pride at his own delicious masterpiece. He says, "You know Mom, maybe I'll be a chef when I get older. I am a really good cook!"

Of course he is and you never know, one day at a five star restaurant near you, you may be able to order an iced down cup of noodle soup from my son, THE CHEF!