Kids come up with the most amazing games. They also come up with amazing ways to manipulate their Momma. Check out this game:
I give them lunch, then proceed to work on cleaning the kitchen while they eat.
They say thank you for lunch.
I say, "You're welcome," while still focusing on dishes.
They repeat, "Thank you."
I want to encourage them to say thank you, so I respond with a polite, "You're welcome."
Then they get louder. "Thank you!"
I match their volume. "You're welcome!"
They vary the pattern a bit. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
This is becoming routine. And I have dishes to focus on. "You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome!"
They try whispering. "Thank you."
I unconciously whisper back. "You're welcome."
Then they sing. "Thank you."
I sing. "You're welcome."
That's the best one yet. They sing louder. "Thank you!"
I can play that game. "You're welcome!"
Oh, singing is lots of fun! "Thaaaaaaaaaaaank yooooooooooouuuu!"
I'm starting to get into the spirit of things now. "Yoooooooooo're WEEEEEEEEEEELcooooooooooome!"
Before I know it, I'm mimicking the music from Phantom of the Opera while holding a dishrag. I finally realize what has been going on, and where it has led me, and thank my lucky stars that nobody was there to hear me.
I love my kids.
P.S. They love this game, and now try to get me to play whenever they can.
P.P.S. Our next performance is tomorrow at lunchtime, should you care to drop by!
