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Fia Friday: The Stare Down

April 20, 2012 at 6:03 am , by

Is there such a thing as a "sweet" stare down?

Fia is a hugger. Even though I think that’s better than being a hitter, she can irritate other kids through her obsessive hugging. Her friend Laszlo Stein clearly had had enough of it and turned the tables on her. We parents were chatting when suddenly the air became still…and tense. Sweet little Laszlo had turned lion on us. Fia was his prey. We watched as he moved closer and closer, never breaking his intense–almost primal–stare. Fia, for the first time in her life, slowly backed away, looking smaller and smaller.

This was the beginning of what would become the longest “stare down” in toddler history.

Then Fia, sensing an opportunity for a truce, decided to touch his cheek. He didn’t bite. They were friends again. But he made it clear: You’ll hug when I say you can hug. Good job Laszlo. You are already learning the art of boundaries. You’ll need them with her–and countless other women, I’m sure!

Moments After the Stare Down

 

 

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  1. by Sherry Huang

    On April 20, 2012 at 9:10 am

    I guess Lazslo is not a fan of the “hug and snug”!

  2. by Cassandra Barry

    On April 21, 2012 at 10:57 am

    It looks like Laszlo is trying to set a boundary with that stick!

  3. by Cassandra Barry

    On April 21, 2012 at 11:00 am

    P.S. For the record, Laszlo does love hugs and snuggles! He’s just wary of other kids because he’s gotten beaten up so much at the playground and other places that are rife with preschoolers. :-(

  4. by Jill Cordes

    On April 21, 2012 at 11:02 am

    I know he does! He just does it when more appropriate…like not all the time!