‘Sydney: The Politeness Police’

Sydney was at our house for her regular play date. Baby James came over later. When Joe Bill and I were driving both of the kids home I’d asked Syd to share some of her newly opened container of Puffs with her kid brother. Sydney handed him one measly little Puff. So I asked her to give him some more…that’s when she told me that he HAD to say ‘please’ first. I then pointed out to her that he’s just a little baby and really can’t talk. I suggested that SHE teach him the word ‘please’!! Among her many roles in life, Sydney Marie Stewart has now become a card carrying member of ‘The Politeness Police’! I guess she’s the kid version of Miss Manners! We’re sure that the time is coming soon when Baby James is going to get back at her.

During that same car ride Syd decided that she’d slip out of the top straps of her car seat. When I noticed, I asked JB to pull over to a safe side street and that we’d wait for her to get back into her straps. I told Syd that we weren’t moving until she was safely in her seat. It’ll come as no surprise that she didn’t like hearing that. JB and I sat there having a pleasant conversation and talked about how good her snacks tasted while Syd stewed in the back seat. I must add that we didn’t hear so much as a peep out of Baby James. He knew something was happening and he didn’t want to be any part of it.

When Sydney asked for juice we said we wouldn’t give it to her until her straps were back on. When she asked for snacks we had the same response. And, of course, she couldn’t play with Barbie right then. Finally, it was snacks, juice and her desire for Barbie that triumphed over her Libertarian anti-law beliefs. JB put her straps on and away we went. Well, the very next day when Syd got into the car she announced: “Keep straps on!” JB and I said yes and clapped. When you’re negotiating with Syd, and we all know that happens frequently, keep in mind that juice, snacks and Barbie are great motivating factors in her life!

By the way, I have a theory as to why Baby James doesn’t talk much yet, besides the fact that Syd is likely taking care of requests for both of them. BJ gets his diapers changed regularly, he’s fed often and he’s hugged and kissed all the time. When he’s upset, which isn’t often, he doesn’t cry and gush giant tears like Syd…he HOLLERS. JB and I think that he’s the LOUDEST baby, pound for pound, we’ve ever met. We all try to figure out why he’s upset. Once we do, he STOPS yelling and goes back to smiling his adorable smile…so why would he need many words?

Love, D2