Feelings

We eat dinner as a family every night at the Athans household and tonight was no different. We usually talk about the day with the girls, including activities, the friends they saw, etc. Tonight, there was a lull in conversation for a few minutes when Sophia said, "Mom, even when babies are really little, do they still have big feelings?" I think Drew and I were totally silent and speechless because we were not sure how to answer. We weren't even sure Sophia was really asking about feelings or if she meant something else. Through conversation with her, we determined she really was talking about feelings and was genuinely curious. I had talked a lot with her today about how she was feeling at different times and what different words really mean (frustrated, angry, sad, etc). I asked her what she thought and she said she believes babies do have big feelings, just like her. I asked her about her feelings today and her first to report was happy, so that was good! I'm curious to see what she thinks about next. Here's a part of the conversation:

Sophia: "Mommy, even when babies are really little, do they still have big feelings?"
Me: "Do you mean feelings like happy, sad, mad?"
Sophia: "Yeah."
Me: "Yes they do. I think everyone has big feelings. Do you have big feelings?"
Sophia: "Yes, but nobody can see them."
Me (and Drew): "How come?"
Sophia: "Because they're inside."
Us: "Yes, Sophia, they are inside of you."
Sophia: "Are they in my bones?"
Us: "Well, they're in your mind and your heart. How were you feeling today?"
Sophia: "Happy!"

After dinner, Drew takes time to play with the girls before bath or bedtime. Tonight he drew on the magna-doodle with Sophia. He drew a picture of a curly-haired girl riding a motorcycle and here is there conversation:

Drew: "Hey Sophia, who is that riding the motorcycle?"
Sophia: "That's me, Daddy. Why am I not wearing a helmet?"
Drew: "You're right, Sophia, I forgot to draw a helmet."
Sophia: "You always have to wear a helmet when you ride on a motorcycle, Daddy."

She doesn't miss a beat. From the age of about 18 months she has pointed out every single motorcycle-riding person she has seen and states whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. If not, she clearly thinks the rider is silly because that is just not safe. Now Stella has picked up the habit from Sophia. They both get genuinely excited when they see someone wearing their helmet. I think I'm raising policewomen or some sort of safety officers. As long as they don't want their own motorcycles someday I'll be happy!