Feelings and Other Conversations

Oliver’s class has been learning about feelings for the past two weeks. They have drawn pictures while listening to different kinds of music to see how their drawings are different. Recently, they learned about love and made Valentines.

A few days ago we had the usual struggle about naptime. I had told Oliver that the timer was going to go off in 30 minutes at which time he should try going potty and then it was time to lie down and rest. He was not excited about the nap and was pouting. I went upstairs to pay bills and he stood at the bottom and said, “Mommy, remember how we learned about feelings. Well, I’m feeling mad because you want me to take a nap!”

I came downstairs to find Oliver leaning against the sofa with his head on the cushions.

Me: Are you still mad?
Oliver: Yes.
Me: How do you think I feel?
Oliver: (sheepishly) Mad. I was actually feeling more frustrated than anything.
Me: Why do you think I’m mad?
Oliver: Because I’m not listening.
Me: What do you think you should do?
Oliver: Go into my room and take a nap.

He went into his room and there was still a bit of a struggle but after allowing him to take two new library books into bed with him and assuring him that he didn’t need to nap but just close his eyes for awhile he settled down. He was asleep within a few minutes.

Overheard Oliver Quotes

Oliver to Keith: I’m going to watch you make dinner.
Keith: Ok
Oliver: So … (long pause) how do you make dinner?


“Daddy, remember you need to pretend to eat this (Play-doh) cookie!”


Oliver: I’m feeling tired. I’ve had enough. (crosses his arms)
Keith: Enough of what?
Oliver: I’m tired of setting the table. I don’t want to do it anymore!


“Mommy, you’re a beautiful woman.”

“I want all my girlfriends from school to come over to my house.”

Art show

An amazing thing happened last week. As usual, Oliver was working with his markers and paper at the dining room table when he announced that he was going to write his name. He’s messed around with some O’s and E’s but he’d always shut us down when we tried to work on letters with him. So it was astounding to watch him WRITE HIS NAME! He threw an extra Z in there ("Ozliver"), but we were blown away. I took a picture, then he added his last name. Again, totally caught us by surprise. Delighted, we put it front and center on the already crowded fridge. Just over 3 years old! We don't know what's normal, but that's the fun of parenthood - every first is incredible.

The family appreciation of his writing and artwork has led Oliver to staging his drawings around the house and on the fridge. It is like we’re an art exhibit and he is the only artist. “Put it there on the wall. No higher!”