By Amy M.
If I could bottle my son's energy, I'd be a millionaire.
Like the perfume companies that offer a selection of scents under the same brand name, the line of "Alex's Energy" products could include "Screaming with Glee," Running in Circles," "Babbler" and, my favorite, "Defiance." The line would be marketed to tired parents like myself who want to be armed against their own children’s excessive -- and sometimes intimidating -- energy levels.
Consider this recent example of Alex's boundless energy. We had traveled to Pittsburgh, about three hours away, to attend a baby shower for my sister-in-law. My mother was hosting the shower at my brother and sister-in-law's house, and it had become a co-ed affair, enthusiastic preschoolers included.
Once the women started gushing over the wee clothes and wee socks and other baby paraphernalia, Brian and my dad took Alex out to the mall, thinking he would fall asleep in the car at some point. No such luck. He didn't have a cat nap, but he DID have ice cream at the mall, followed by cake and cookies left over from the shower. Anyone who scoffs at the idea of a "sugar high" has not seen a 3-year-old who overdosed on the sweet stuff run circles around a group of adults. And run he did. Around the house. Up and down the stairs. In pursuit of the cat (until the cat escaped under a bed).
He was entertaining, that's for sure. He was sweet and funny and charmed the pants off everyone there. He danced and sang for us, and impressed us with his ability to say his ABCs. The only thing he didn't do -- fortunately -- was whine.
That level of energy is typical, regardless of how many cookies Alex consumed or whether he napped. Just the other afternoon, around the time he USED to take a nap, we were at the mall, and Alex impressed everyone in JCPenney's with how well he knows the alphabet (his song of the week). Some shoppers probably found him distracting or -- dare I say -- annoying. But I'm certainly not going to discourage my son from reciting his ABCs.
Even if I could bottle my son's energy, though, it's the way he exerts it that really makes him special. I am constantly amazed by his developing personality. Sure, it would be nice if he toned down his stubborn streak, or didn't test me constantly. But then he wouldn't be my Alex. And his individuality is priceless.
Amy M. lives in Pennsylvania with her son and her husband. She works full time as a writer/editor for a large university.
Also a PA Mom with a three-year-old boy. I was amazed the other day when I took Joshua to his first day of pre-school and saw just how active he is compared to the other children. I've often said that if I could bottle his energy, I could solve the world's energy crisis. I think I like your idea better!
Posted by: Cathy | September 08, 2005 at 08:33 AM