Libby, my oldest, has the tendency all four-year-olds have of taking everything I tell her very literally. This sometimes has untoward consequences. A few weeks ago, we were heading to the library to check out some books and movies. We had not taken the girls in a while, so we were explaining the principles of appropriate library etiquette. Libby asked why we need to be quiet in the library. "Because," I replied, thinking quickly and trying to be clever, "if you aren't quiet the librarians tie you up."
"Why?" - of course, the standard response.
"Because there are people trying to study, and they need it to be quiet."
She nodded slowly, letting this idea sink in.
I forgot all about this conversation until last night, when, in celebration of my birthday, we went out to dinner, shopping, and finally to the library. It was very late (7:00) by the time we got there. The girls are usually being bathed by that time of day, and their ability to cope with stress was at a low ebb. Immediately the girls began fighting over the library computer, shrieking, and generally being naughty. Audrey had to be taken outside for an attitude adjustment within a few minutes, but she returned a tiny bit calmer and quieter.
Libby, not to be outdone, began screaming at the top of her lungs at Audrey a few minutes later. Amy had had it. She took Libby by the arm and marched her for the door. Libby, terrified, began yelling, "No! I don't want to be tied up!"
All heads turned toward Amy as she walked out the door, a determined look on her face, with a terrified, struggling child at her side. "Where on earth did Libby get that idea?" I wondered, still with no recollection of our prior conversation, and mortified that all the library patrons now believe that Amy and I punish our children by tying them up in the basement or something.
"Why?" - of course, the standard response.
"Because there are people trying to study, and they need it to be quiet."
She nodded slowly, letting this idea sink in.
I forgot all about this conversation until last night, when, in celebration of my birthday, we went out to dinner, shopping, and finally to the library. It was very late (7:00) by the time we got there. The girls are usually being bathed by that time of day, and their ability to cope with stress was at a low ebb. Immediately the girls began fighting over the library computer, shrieking, and generally being naughty. Audrey had to be taken outside for an attitude adjustment within a few minutes, but she returned a tiny bit calmer and quieter.
Libby, not to be outdone, began screaming at the top of her lungs at Audrey a few minutes later. Amy had had it. She took Libby by the arm and marched her for the door. Libby, terrified, began yelling, "No! I don't want to be tied up!"
All heads turned toward Amy as she walked out the door, a determined look on her face, with a terrified, struggling child at her side. "Where on earth did Libby get that idea?" I wondered, still with no recollection of our prior conversation, and mortified that all the library patrons now believe that Amy and I punish our children by tying them up in the basement or something.
When we got home, Amy asked Libby why she had said what she did, and she said "Daddy told me they would tie me up." The recollection of our prior conversation came flooding back. Oops.
Amy glared at me. "You can't tell them things like that! You need to clear anything you tell the kids with me first."
I'm kidding about that last sentence, but I am sure that is what she is thinking.
1 comment:
I didn't know you had a blog Glade! Just found out when I went and viewed Mom & Dad's blog author stuff to try and get Kel to be able to see the one we made for them. So, I hope you don't mind me looking in from time to time!
That is quite the story about Libby at the library. Kids (especially that age) really do believe everything we tell them. I can't imagine the horror Amy felt at that time and the phone calls from CPS that would be coming. Clearing everything you tell your kids with Amy isn't a bad idea! :-) hahaha!
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