Yes, I’m an eavesdropper, so what!
I have to admit, I like to eavesdrop. It’s like people watching, but better. I enjoy listening to other people’s conversations at restaurants, during sporting events, at bars, at parties, etc. A friend recently blogged about listening to the most ridiculous conversation between some loud-mouthed twenty-somethings at a Starbucks and I was relieved to know that I’m not the only one.
Lately, my favorite people to listen to are my nearly five-year-old daughter (B) and my six-year-old son (AD). They are only 16 months apart and really are inseparable – that is when no one else is around to mess up their dynamic. They share a room and really do like having bunk beds (most of the time).
Last night, we put them to bed and heard whispering for far too long. I went upstairs to give them a warning, when the baby started to complain. I decided to quietly soothe her back to bed before laying down the law. Okay, truth be told, I wanted to hear what they were whispering about. I do have this eavesdropping problem you know.
Apparently, AD was in the bottom bunk with his sister, which is no surprise because even though he is fearless at times, he is the one that is scared of the dark and hates sleeping alone (hence the 5 in the bed post a few weeks back). B was trying to sleep, but he was bothering her by parroting everything she was saying. I think she finally had enough, so she said in an authoritative tone, “You have two choices. You can either stay awake with your eyes open and not talk or move, or you can go to sleep and snore or do whatever you want.”
I felt a sense of pride that even though she was frustrated, she tried to reason with her brother. I thought how wonderful it is that I have set such a good example. I felt like she was channeling me.
AD parroted back to her the exact choices in the way only an older brother can master.
B said with even more authority, “Okay then, how about you go back to your bed or I punch you in the face.”
At that point, I realized the time for eavesdropping over, and so was the self-congratulatory smugness of being such a wonderful role model. She was obviously no longer channeling me (at least I hope not).
I quickly put the baby down and rushed in their room just as AD said, “Oh yeah, well how about if I punch…”
I was just in time and decided to skip the “choices” method of disciplining and went straight to threatening. I put AD back in his bunk and gave them one more chance or else… I’d have to get Daddy (yes, lame and overdone, but sometimes it works).
Then I ran downstairs to tell the hubby what I just heard. We laughed at little B’s fiery temper and AD’s annoying button pushing. I think we are in for it one day, but for now, I’ll continue listening in to their conversations… and well anyone else’s I hear on the street.
Note to self: Tell the kids that a punch in the face is not considered a choice.
What’s the funniest thing you have ever overheard your children say? Join the discussion on facebook at www.facebook.com/TinyStepsMommy.
