When children are little, they follow. You usually cannot deter them from going where you go, because wherever you are headed is interesting. And safe.

 

One time, earlier in our family history, the kids were squawking and I yelled at them to go outside. No one budged. Then I remembered about the Following Reflex and I went out in the backyard. All but the oldest child came along behind. No matter, everyone felt better in the sunshine and the pestering ceased. 

 

A few minutes later, Lukas meandered out too, trying to look casual.

 

"Don't think that I came out here because you told me to. It was my idea."

 

Whatever. 

 

But as they grow older the Following Reflex loses its grip.

 

I send my monthly newsletter to my grown children in three states, not necessarily expecting them to read it, but because everybody likes mail, and I am after all their mother. No expiration on that. 

 

Recently my daughter, who tells me she does read it, told me about a conversation with her brother who does not.

His roommate was commenting about something he read in Micah's mom's magazine. 

 

Micah was shocked. "You read it?"

 

 

Photo by Andy Sullivan

www.caringformarriage.org