Who's the Boss?

We have been going through a difficult stage with Jared.  He is definitely testing some boundaries.  He has been asserting his opinion strongly, and feels that he should be equally involved in EVERY decision.  The power struggle is getting old. 

After some thought, I came up with a new plan.  Here is how it unfolded....

Me: Jared, I notice that you like to be in charge.  Do you want to be the one in charge?

Jared: (with much excitement) YES!  

[My plan is working]

Me: Ok, tomorrow I will bring home some large boxes.  We are going to need a lot.

Jared: Great!

Me: When we get home we can start packing up all your toys.

Jared: ok

[What?  That is not the plan.]

Me:  There will be no toys left.  Mommy and Daddy don't have any toys.  So if you want to be in charge, then no toys.

Jared:  We should give them to other boys.

[Plan is failing.  Now it not the time to be charitable!]

Me:  Yes, we can give them away or throw they away.

[Perhaps throwing away will be more dramatic and work]

Jared: Ok.

[or not]

Me: We will need to call people to tell them you don't need new toys for your birthday.

Jared: Umm...Ok.

Me: or Christmas.

Jared: Right.

[What is happening?  He must really want to be in charge.]

Me: Then we will have to box up all your books and games.

Jared: Don't forget about my puzzles.

[Plan is exploding. I was not prepared for this reaction.  Time to bring in more ammunition.]

Me: and no more Batman Bear.

Jared: Nooooo.  I want him.

[Whew, plan is back on track]

Me: Oh, so you want your toys and still want to be a kid.

Jared: (very serious) Yes, I want to be a kid and have toys.

Me: So, Mom and Dad can be in charge.

Jared: Yeah, you guys are in charge.  

I guess I know who wants to be President some day.  

It has been a honor...

The eve of the hardest day of the year is upon me.  As the summer draws to an end, and I return to work, it is with a heavy heart that I write....

It has been a honor, Jared Alan.  It has been a honor to spend countless hours watching you play.  We excitedly sat together at 4 parades.  We cuddled together watching fireworks.  I got to see you swim underwater, and splash around the splash park.  We filled in our chart for summer reading.  I had the honor to see your face as you tried ice cream again, and still hate it.  We played Matching, Go Fish, War, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders. You beat me at all.  I had the privilege to see you at Build-a-Bear making Batman Bear.   We collected shells on the beach.  I sat next to you at your 1st and 2nd movie in the theater.  I saw you ride around inside a real airplane.  I answered so many questions my head hurt.  I heard so much loud singing and playing my ears hurt.  I had the honor of watching you become a loving and caring big brother.  You gently stopped a sharp rake from falling on Colton and got a broom down for him.  You helped hold his as he learned to take a first step.  You laugh with him so hard you give yourself the hiccups.  It was a honor to spend the summer with you, Jared, thank you.

It has been a honor, Colton Kent.  It has been a honor to watch you spend countless hours playing. I saw your determination as I watched you crawl down the cement sidewalk, nothing would get in your way.  It was a honor to see you take your first step.  We read many books, many times.  I had the honor to do swim lessons with you.  I held you on my lap for your first trolly ride. I chased after you as you learned to pick up candy from parades.  I watched as you played chase with Jared and laughed as he passed you.  I marveled as you played trucks In the sandbox making vroom noises.  We sang together as you tried to learn the Itsy Bitsy Spider.  Everyday you would laugh and giggle at the simple things, and it would inspire me to stop and notice how funny life can be. I carried you squirming away so much my arm hurt.  You cried so loud my ears hurt. It was a honor watching you become best friends with your brother.  You could get him to follow you into any closet to play your games.  You look to see "Where's Jared?"  You proudly marched in any parade Jared was performing. You laughed so hard with him, you gave yourself the hiccups.  I was a honor to spend the summer with you, Colton, thank you.