There are some days that Bryan is home watching Theo while I'm at work. It's not uncommon for me to receive a few iphone camera shots with what they're up to, and a phone call once or twice detailing a humorous Theo story. The other day was no exception.
Bryan had asked Theo to pick up some of his toys, to which he was met with a loud and defiant "NO!" Now, let me just say that we don't expect this kid to wash his dishes, clean his room and make his bed. I mean, he's not even two yet. But he is entirely capable of picking up some of his dump trucks and tractors off the floor and putting them on the table. He has done it before with great success, and is a champion picker-upper at daycare so we feel this is not unreasonable. Theo had a differing opinion, apparently.
While Theo was launching Toygate, Bryan got a call from our daycare provider that she needed another check as the old one wasn't filled our correctly. She was out and about and was planning on stopping by in ten or so minutes. With that, a light bulb went off and Bryan saw an opportunity.
"Theo, if you don't pick up your toys I'm going to have to call D and then she'll come over and tell you to do it."
"No!"
We have a huge picture window in our living room that looks out on our driveway and front walk up to the door. So when D's car pulled in the driveway and she got out, Bryan said Theo's jaw dropped and his eyes got wide. Frozen, he watched her go up to the door and ring the bell. As soon as Bryan opened it he heard:
"Clean up! Clean up! Everyone do their share!"Parenting RULES.
That story is fabulous. Creative parenting really is the best!
Posted by: Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks | February 11, 2010 at 09:50 AM
That is awesome, and so inspiring as I watch the Wee Ski throw his Cheerios, one by one, on the floor as he looks at me...
There is hope!!
Posted by: shelley | February 11, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Brilliant! Hahaha! And just to clarify, was that Theo yelling "Clean up! Clean up! Everyone do their share!" in fear and anticipation of D coming in the house, or was D actually in on it and said it? I was thinking the former at first, but realized it could be the latter.
Posted by: Lisa G. | February 11, 2010 at 10:55 AM
HAHAHAHA! This is the best story ever. Theo probably pooped himself.
Posted by: Jen | February 11, 2010 at 11:33 AM
AWESOME. I can't wait to start parenting! ;D
Posted by: Alanna | February 11, 2010 at 11:41 AM
We do this "nono non nono no no mama" thing when it comes time for clean up...now I just need to arrange for Val to pop in one day. hmmmm.
Posted by: Cass | February 11, 2010 at 12:14 PM
Yeah, that's perfect.
Posted by: Andrea (@shutterbitch) | February 11, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Ha! That is awesome!
Posted by: Kate | February 11, 2010 at 01:35 PM
Ahaha! Threats you follow-through on (at least so far as the kid knows), AWESOME.
Posted by: McMama | February 11, 2010 at 01:45 PM
Oh it was Theo singing for sure. A suddenly very ENTHUSIASTIC Theo all but doing the jig.
Funny how that works out :-)
Posted by: samantha campen | February 11, 2010 at 02:36 PM
^^Haha, ok, that's what I figured--thanks for clarifying. That is awesome. LOL Reminds me of the "I EAT IT MOMMY I EAT IT!" incident.
Posted by: Lisa G. | February 11, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Genius.
Posted by: rougeneck | February 11, 2010 at 05:18 PM
That's fabulous. How creative!
Posted by: Michelle | February 11, 2010 at 08:52 PM
nice. it's priceless when it works out juuuuuust right like that :)
Posted by: Summer B. | February 12, 2010 at 07:08 AM
This is why I dream of having kids- funny little people who believe I am in fact all powerful. :)
Posted by: Eleanor's Trousers | March 08, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Awesome...until he grows up and is more clever than you are and you wonder where he is at 2 a.m. and how you got stuck at home washing his clothes.
Posted by: Papa Bradstein | March 13, 2010 at 06:01 AM