In One Tent Door and Out the Other
This afternoon, after a rare nap, Berkeley melted down when Kristy told
him he had to go potty before playing outside (he hadn't gone for some
time... so it was quite certainly a justifiable request). But instead
of just taking the minute that the task would require, Berkeley cried
and made quite a production of every step involved in the process
(dropping the drawers, getting on the seat, washing his hands, etc).
The net effect was to delay his playtime outside by probably ten
minutes instead of just one.
Now even though I work at home (in my plush corner windowed office), I
can pretty much ignore most of the comings and goings that happen
elsewhere in the house. But this little outburst, 1) occurred in the
bathroom right next to my office, and 2) as I mentioned, lasted much
longer than what you could call my "I can ignore that" length. So I
peeked in and expressed to him by displeasure at his tirade (and the
accompanying noise).
Later, Berkeley appeared at my office door (which is windowed). I
motioned him in.
"I moved the tent on the grass.", Berkeley said.
"Berkeley, I would like to talk to you about your outburst.", I
began. "When Daddy or Mimi ask you to do something, then you are
to do it, despite the fact that it may not be what you want to do
at the moment..."
I probably went on lecturing him for a couple of minutes like that.
Then I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him. When we separated,
he stood there, paused in deep thought (I presumed), with his eyes
half-glazed over.
"I moved the tent.", Berkeley repeated.
I cracked a smile, shook my head, and told him to go outside and have
fun.
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