ÜberJoy

To Divide and Conquer

Marschall tells me in his own little words that Pete had given him some candy, which the smell of peppermint was emanating from his mouth. I acknowledge him and soon he leaves the room. Shortly, I hear from the kitchen, “More candy Daddy, more candy Daddy, and then he shouts, Mommy said yes”. I then shout, “I did not say yes”.
I really didn’t care if Pete had given him another piece of candy but I couldn’t believe that he was already “working the parents”. Pete and I have started to show our unity in our decision-making with him. You know the drill, if one parent says “no” then it’s a “no” and vice-versa. In the short amount of time we have done this, Marschall has learned that Pete and I back each other up. Sometimes it works to his advantage but usually it results in a tantrum on the floor.
Some days I am amazed at how much I hear myself rationalizing to a 3 year old. He sure knows the buttons to push! Our 3 year old may sometimes divide us in our decision-making behind closed doors (and that’s for us to work out) but we will not be conquered! Hopefully, it will just be battles over candy for a while…