The Hand that Holds the Pencil

It's that time again -- report card time! Older Girl has done very well so far this year, and she is as proud of her work as we are (which makes me happy). As we were perusing her marks in each different subject, she happened to comment on the "-" she got in the box next to "Holds Pencil Correctly," which basically means that she needs improvement. Because instead of lightly resting the pencil on her finger, she gets a stranglehold on it like it might refuse to write what she wants.

She saw the "-" sign, and said: "I know that I don't hold my pencil the way I'm supposed to, but I think the way I hold it makes for nicer handwriting, so I guess I can live with the minus sign. They won't check our pencils forever."

Fantastic, Older Girl! Can I just say that I love, love, love the fact that she likes her own handwriting enough to accept the fact that she has to sacrifice a "+" sign for pencil posture? I am not trying to foster a cocky, disobedient vibe here, but come on -- she's going to hold the pencil the way she is going to hold the pencil and that's the way it is. Her penmanship is neat and legible, and that's what I care about the most.

Besides, the little rebel in me (the one buried under all the layers of responsibility and people-pleasing), is yelling at the top of her lungs, Work it, little mama! You rock that pencil Older Girl-style!