It never ceases to amaze me that children consistently act against their own self-interests. Throwing fits to parents who never cave, demanding something they would have been given had they asked nicely… and confessing to misfeasance that might otherwise have gone undetected.
Knowing this, I ought not have been surprised by the events preceding dinner one recent day (okay, it wasn’t that recent. It was two whole weeks ago. I am way behind on turning my notes into blog posts…). Alice was playing nicely upstairs, and I was cooking in peace and quiet. As far as The Mama knew, all was right with the world. Then, Alice came down the stairs and implored, “Don’t be so mad when I color on me.”
Now, I know the day will come when I wish she would fess up so readily. Even knowing that, I simply can’t help but wish she’d be a wee more protective of her own self-interest.
How could one be mad with a comment as endearing as that? My boys would have shouted from upstairs “Mommy, look what we did!!!” Not nearly as adorable…:-)
kids always amaze me, with their innocence. i wish they could keep it forever
Me too…
My son, who is also 4, did the same thing a few weeks ago. He came down from his room and proudly showed me the green pen all over both arms, his stomach and both legs. Then, with a huge, happy smile on his face, he told me he also colored all over his pillow and sheets. All I could do was laugh at that moment and join in his happiness. However, we did have to have a conversation about how you only color on paper.
Naughty little boogers, aren’t they Kerri?!