SMART, CUTE OR ANNOYING?

Have you ever wondered what goes in your child's head when you ask them to do something? When they are toddlers, their answers are more or less predictable, and a lot of times they say NO our requests. However, as they get older, their answers and reactions suddenly get a little more...interesting. It could be anything, really. From straight forward compliance to annoyed twist of tiny lips to exasperated sighs to smart comebacks. In our day-to-day life, the straight-forward compliance is always much appreciated, while the sighs and complaints are often more than a little annoying. Worse, they're the things that push our buttons, especially when we're in a hurry or already tired at the end of the day.

Occasionally though, on the spur of the moment, we manage to stop and listen to what might seem to be rebellious comment or defiance. All of sudden these retorts sound smart and delightful, proof of our children's witty nature. The window to our children's inner working. This is great, because those 'aha' moments really enrich our understanding of them - each unique personality, life's perspective and their growing minds.

...like when my six-year-old has told me that she loved being in a state of messiness, and that she would have to change her ways just because I demanded it. All was said in a grave voice and a manner beyond her years, complete with insufferable sigh. My little drama queen :)