The youngest man at my house just turned three. He has strong opinions, is very affectionate and is the most encouraging voice in the house: "Mom, did you make this dinner? You did! It so good! I like it!" He loves to stroke my hair."Mom, come here and let me pet you." But it is yesterday's strong opinion I wanted to tell you about. I was very busy decluttering a long neglected area of my home, in the final stages of victory, about to see order and tidiness the likes that have never been seen with all the stored toys arranged on their shelves. (These are the off rotation toys, he has free access to everything in the playroom) Little Man was, of course, with me and had just finished playing with the model animals. Replacing them on the shelf, he decided he wanted to get all the Fisher Price toys out.
LM: Mom, I play these?
Me: No, I am almost finished here and it is time for some lunch.
LM: (mumblings that I am not listening to in my haste to finish)
LM: (louder)MOM! You not say that. It bad word. "NO" It bad word, Mom, you not say it.
Me: I am the mom (something he needs frequent reminders of) and I can say no.
LM: (sigh, huff sort of sound)
Busy with my tasks, I am not really paying attention to his mild rantings.
LM: MOM! Look at me.
I turn to see him standing there with his index finger rubbing back and forth on his forehead.
LM: It say right here "Say Yes"
Made aware of the scrolling marquee on my sons forehead, I am not deterred, the toys will remain on the shelf. I try distraction. I do not chose this battle with him
Me: Come on over here and see what I am doing. You can help me do this great job. (He loves to tell me I am doing a great job)
LM: You not do great job.(ouch, this from my little encourager?)
Me: I'm finished. Come on downstairs now. (we go)
I get busy putting away the stuff from upstairs. I am still oblivious to the deep tragedy in my son's heart (I can be very dense when decluttering) because he is not crying, just giving me a very adult cold shoulder treatment. Undoubtedly, not noticing was the right thing to do in this case.
I am bending down and putting stuff awaywhen I get nearly knocked down by my Little Man as he gives me a sideways hug and begins petting my hair.
LM: You do VERY good job, Mom.
I just love my Little Man.
Comments
Mar. 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eclecticeducation
Oh, Goodness!!!! He sounds so much like my 4 year old!!!!! My littliest one's favorite pasttime is hair stroking, preferably mine (he will substitute in a pinch) and he loves to say things like, "Mommy, your the best!". What about daddy? "He's the best too!" What about bubba? "All three of you are the best!" Hmmm... could they be brothers separated at birth (a year apart)??????
Mar. 8, 2007 - Here's Your Sign...
Posted by floridamomto4
And you didn't give in? What a professional, seasoned mommy. Good job! :-) And a huge congratulations on graduating from diapers. Oh my goodness - that is unbelievable! Now if only you could use the diaper money for something fun... Oh yea, food can be fun, right? He he.
Wish we were your company this weekend, too!
Mar. 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by booknhome
Yes, they do sound alike! Don't you just love it!
It was more like dumb luck. I was too focused on what I was doing to deal with him, but it turned out well in the end. This time...