Todd loves to help around the house. Let me rephrase...He loves to help others do their chores, he just doesn't like doing his own. For example a few days ago I asked him to please clean up his tinker-toys so that I could vacuum. He said, "No, I vacuum". I said, "Fine, pick up the tinker-toys first. He said, "No". After a small battle and a time-out he cleaned up the toys and then joyfully vacuumed the floor. Another battled ensued later when I retrieved the vacuum to go over the missed spots. We played tug-of-war over the vacuum until he received yet another time-out. This really should be the least of my worries right? I have a kid that likes to help out, so big deal right?
Okay, here's the big deal... He also has taken it upon himself to throw anything away that he deems "broken". This week I have found his tennis-shoes in the garbage (twice). He says they're too small. Great, I will put them in the too-small-box, but don't throw them away! I have found misc. toys, bowls, forks, and yesterday as I was cooking dinner, he grabbed the cooking spray and headed for the garbage. I hollered "Hey, get back here, I need that". Again an argument ensued. I told him, he'd better return that can or he was headed for another time-out. He finally relented. Today he tried to throw away two back massagers. The batteries are dead, they are not broken. I tried to reason with him, but again an argument ensued. For those of you that know Todd doesn't communicate well, you may be wondering how we argue. Well let me tell you, I may not understand what he's saying, but I know when I'm getting chewed out. He doesn't give up easily, thus our many battles and time-outs each day.
I know that I am forgetting many of the items I have fished out of the garbage, but what really worries me is...how many have made it in unseen. How many of my household items are now in the city dump? Once when I was emptying the garbage from the boys room I found ripped up dollar bills. Tyler's hard earned money ripped to shreds. Todd is the only one who doesn't appreciate the value of a buck, so I am sure he was the culprit.
I know this is a petty complaint...And I am grateful that he is willing to pitch in when he wants to.....But Todd STOP throwing my stuff in the trash!!!!
4 comments:
Oh Todd, what a funny kid! I guess if it's gone and you don't miss it, you didn't really need it.
I am die'n over here. In laughter. I think our kids came from the same tree or something. Ember did that and now Bridger is doing that same thing. I've found many things too in the garbage. It must be a phase only some kids have. Don't worry this will pass. LOL hopefully sooner than later.
I know how frustrating it is to find your items in the trash (and to wonder which ones you didn't find.) And arguments with a 3year old are so frustraiting because you know they are asserting their independance but you wish they wouldn't assert quite so often or for quite so long. Sometimes these phases last waaaaayyy to long. Hang in there Nancy. You are doing a fabulous job. As frustrated as you are you still handle the situation with love and guidance, just as a true mother in Zion would. You are an inspiration to me and make me feel so good knowing that I am not the only one dealing with these issues.
So funny, Toddy! Lily laughed when I read your story.
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