Vian (4yo) and Yoshi are snuggled up in the office couch with a cozy blanket around them, playing a game on iPad. Vian turns to me and says,
Vian: Appa, can you get me something to eat?
Me: Come with me, let's find something for you.
Vian: But I'm too comfy. You get me something.
Me: Ok, but you have to eat whatever I get.
Vian: Nevvvermind....
Both kids insisted that they want to get ready for bed last.
I told Vian (4yo) in secret that we're going to trick Sempi (8yo). He should floss and brush but not do MiPaste (a Fluoride paste). Then after I get Sempi ready we can do MiPaste, Vian would be the last to get ready.
Vian bought into the idea and he brushed first with a mischievous glee. The plan worked like a charm, Sempi was happy that he was brushing after Vian and Vian was happy that he didn't do his MiPaste until after Sempi brushed, thus he was the last to get ready for bed.
I emerged the victor.
I'm trying to work at home and Vian (4yo) is playing in the office next to me. He requests me to play with him. I took a break and told him that I'd draw with him. He insisted that I should play legos. So we made a compromise that we would draw then play legos.
After what seemed like a good amount of drawing vehicles for a while, I told him that it is time for me to get back to work.
Vian: But you said you would play with me.
Me: Oh yeah I forgot.
Vian: Remember, you said we would draw and then play legos?
Me: Yes, I remember now. You should be a lawyer when you grow up Vian.
Vian: Nah. I'm going to be batman when I grow up.
As long as he has realistic goals, I'm cool with that.
I'm playing with Vian and Sempi. Vian comes at me swinging a plastic sword. I stop it with my hand and hold onto it, to prevent further assault.
Vian: Appa is the strongest in the family.
Sempi: No, Amma is the strongest.
Vian: But Appa is bigger.
Sempi: He is bigger but Amma has more muscles. So she's stronger.
I've got nothing to say, that's just the truth.
Vian (3yo) is in the bathtub and I'm trying to get him to come out. Sempi (7yo) is already out and changing his clothes. I am losing my patience with Vian and he is losing his patience with this toy that he's trying balance on the rim of the bathtub.
After pleading with him for a while, I lost my patience and stormed out and turned off one of the lights in the bathroom. Although this didn't plunge the bathroom in darkness, this did darken the room just enough to cause Vian to yell and scream. Suddenly who comes running but Sempi. He asked in a compassionate tone "Vian are you ok? Is there anything I can do to help you?".
Clearly ashamed by my actions, I went back to the bathroom and got Vian out of the bathtub. I told Sempi that I'm proud of his actions and I wish I could learn from him. Sempi said in a serious voice, I could teach you. Here's his teaching:
Sometimes when things don't go according to your plan, you'll be tempted to do something bad to hurt the other person. But the way to control that is to remember that you should always treat others how you want to be treated.
He said the best way to practice this is to go to someplace new that I've never been to. In a new place, things won't go exactly as planned and I'll find myself often frustrated or angry. That's when I could practice being nice and not mean to everyone. He offered to go with me, so he can be there to support me.
I am speechless. My son is awesome!