the things we do to our kids

I often write this blog thinking about Zoe reading it as a teen, and try not to make it fake. This is one of those times I hate to write about but feel obligated to. Zoe has lately not been a big fan of the bath. For several months she has insisted on wearing her swimsuit in the bath, saying that is what mermaid wear. But we think it may have to do with Finn taking bath with her. To add to more of the trama, when the weather got real warm, Bruce declared a water fight in the backyard after dinner and I was not in the mood for it. When he sprayed me I got upset.. we weren't on happy terms any way, been fighting a bit, and this set it off. Apparently Zoe internalized this and declared war on water and fighting. She has not taken a bath except under circumstance of me holding her under the water.. she is scared and scarred by the actions of her parents. This hurts me deeply and I'd do anything to take it back. We are trying not to fight in front of her and we have set a goal to have a "good" water fight.. first by going to the swimming pool, a place of water and happy memories. I've also declared today a Zoe and Mom and Dad day, she is at work with us and we will do something fun today.. in addition to taking her to lunch with us (no Finn).