Skills

My youngest daughter is at the age now, where she is almost maintenance free. She can dress herself, and she can forage for something to eat without mom or dad having to prepare her something. She has moved from the larvae stage to the caterpillar stage. She has entered the time in her life where money and a ride are more important than help putting her shoes on. Keep in mind, she's almost eight, so her needs/wants that involve money, are not quite as burdensome as my fifteen year old. So she's at the age now where she can help with chores around the house. She can dust, vacuum, even cook herself a grilled cheese sandwich. She is now equipped with skills. Remember, she's only eight, so some of those skills need some time to be honed. You've probably heard, or even used the term 'mad skills'. Her skills are more along the lines of 'maddening skills'. She can do certain things, but sometimes (more often than not) she makes a mess in the process. One such skill that comes to mind, is her ability to butter a piece of bread. We must go through twice the amount of butter, peanut butter, jelly, etc. than we did a year ago. When she wishes to prepare a piece of toast or bread, we end up with butter on the countertop, the front of the cabinet, her clothes, her glasses, occasionally my clothes,.... it's everywhere! The knife she's used to spread her coat of goodness, has substance halfway up the handle. I have entered the kitchen behind her, and leaned up against the countertop, and got peanut butter on my pants. I once tried to pick up a glass that had been left over from the night before, and it was concreted to the countertop with dried jelly. So as much as I appreciate the fact that she has the abilities to fend for herself, I can't wait for the day when she displays a little more control over her motor skills, and they progress from 'maddening' to just plain old 'mad'.