Over the last few months William George has upped his participation in the nightly dinner clean up and has demonstrated an aptitude for putting away condiments and other small items. Recently, he was secretly pleased with himself for putting away a number of things in the refrigerator, and I suppose he was feeling ambitious because he reached for the tea pitcher. As you might expect, the pitcher -- almost full -- emptied onto the floor (glug-glug-glug). Everyone reflexively called out, "GEORGE!" simultaneously. William George was beside himself. He was so upset, and he sobbed and sobbed. He had failed, and then everyone shouted at him. We rushed to console him and assure him that all was good... that tea on the floor was certainly nothing to be upset about... that his feelings were more important than the floor.
Throughout toddlerhood, when impish behavior sometimes resulted in the duo turning over filled glasses just to see what would happen, we clarified the difference between accidental spills and purposeful spills, the latter sometimes resulting in consequences (i.e., a cup with a lid, a cup never filled completely, etc.). With spills, we simply clean up, console and move on. No harm, no foul. With intentional spilling or breakage (unusual, but there is precedence), we discuss, calmly deliver the consequence and move on.
The duo rushed to George's corner, and I heard Lauren telling him, "George, it was an accident. Even if you did it on purpose, mommy and daddy would still love you. And we would still love you. No matter what."
It's nice to be quoted favorably every now and then.
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