My mom has always said that sneakiness and intelligence are directly correlated. By that account, my kids are true geniuses. Then again, this is the SEVENTH time that Kayla has decorated the carpet with my lipstick. I'm not sure if that is a genius maneuver on her part, unless she is performing a study of the myriad reactions that could result. And as her mother, I have tried several techniques to induce a repentant attitude in my naughty toddler including isolation, torture (by chores), confiscation, and the spatula (my mom's tried and true method for securing quick repentance). I even put the make-up under lock and key!!
Of course, I mentioned that I have TWO kids going for sale. And that's because the thing that I've suspected for some time has turned out to be true. I discovered the lipstick on the carpet because Ella alerted me--as she has every previous incident. On closer inspection of my three-year-old, I noticed that the same shade of lipstick beautifying my carpet was also adorning her little lips. That's when I discovered that Ella has apparently been to the Toddler School of Tattle Tales. There are three main tips taught at the school:
1. If your sibling isn't currently doing anything wrong, report things you think they might do soon.
2. If you desire your sibling to get in trouble, planting ideas is recommended.
3. Develop selective hearing so that you can place the blame for any action (or the omission of an action) on someone else.
My twin brothers were sensations at Tattle Tale Tip #3. When my mom asked my brother Doug why he hadn't taken out the garbage, he would respond with something of this nature: "What? You must have asked Ben to do that." They would go back and forth with that same logic until my mom was so confused she would just ask me to take out the garbage. Obviously, I'm not a fan of tip #3.
It turns out that Ella is a child-prodigy at #2. But, I invented something that I think will cure her forever. It's a little game called "Cinderella." Basically, I made Ella and Kayla my work urchins for the day. They followed me around with dust rags and paper towels and even toy vacuums all day long. I'd like to title the above picture: "This is so hard." That's right Ella, it is so hard. I'd recommend never trying #2 with the lipstick again. This next picture is the after picture of the carpet--thank you to my carpet cleaner--which is now my favorite member of the family.
11 comments:
Oh Lauren, those pictures gave me a really good laugh. The pictures of Ella speak a thousand words!
I think I need to call you for excellent ideas for consequences for children, I love the Cinderella method. Also, you really need to be a spokesperson for the Bissell carpet cleaner, you've made me want one!
Your posts CRACK me up!
You're right Lauren. Tip #3 worked like a charm!
Love my Bissell carpet cleaner too.
I can't believe how much fun those little munchkins have had with lipstick lately. Ugh. You're a good sport. I don't think I'd be that creative with my discipline. It would just make me mad!
Ah, ha! I full blown carpet cleaner! I wondered how you ever got that out. Those are great pictures. What a frustrating discovery, but those pictures are great. They spoke the story, although I enjoyed your writing.
Oh my!! I agree, thank goodness for carpet cleaners!!
Thanks for the good laugh! Carpet cleaner to the rescue!!!
Oh my goodness Lauren, I am laughing so hard! Your pictures are priceless, and I love the 3 methods of tattling. Anna is a prodigy of #1. Oh I love your sneaky little girls.
so funny! Hopefully I won't have the lipstick issues with my boys, but I am sure I will have lots of other messes I havent already had. Kids!
Wow, you really have a lot of lipstick episodes at your house. I love the picture of Ella sobbing as she scrubs the floor. By the way, my mother also swore by the spatula to induce a repentant spirit. It worked every time!
Lauren,
I'll need to get your cleaning tips so that when Lane is old enough to make a mess of my carpet I know how to fix it :)
Anna
Post a Comment