Negotiations

We have a little negotiator on our hands. He's the prime age for debate and his verbal skills make him a natural. We've kind of bred him for this though. He's the oldest among our friends' children, the oldest grandchild, the oldest in our family, and the oldest in our neighborhood. He kind of rules the roost with the adults in his life. His irresistible charm and adorable face sucks you right in :) He also has a little of his mommy's OCD and likes things in their place and structure in his life. He's gotten used to being the "activities director" around here. He makes sure everyone has a job and feels included. He loves to organize baseball/football/hockey/racquetball games, plays, races, board games, obstacle courses, and music class.
It's been very interesting seeing this play out with his little sister. Fortunately she wants to be just like him. She admires and imitates him in every way. She's been watching and observing his every move from the start and learned more than we've ever taught her. Fortunately he's a responsible, obedient, and loving kid; so she's learned well. He's lucky that she's mature and coordinated for her age and has never been into destroying things or making messes, so he's been happy to have her join him. It didn't take long before he realized the potential benefits of having a loving admirer.
When we arrive home, the kids take off their shoes and coats and put them away. They're both very used to this. As he was sitting on the floor across from her one day watching her excitedly put her shoes back in their slots- it occurred to him. With all the enthusiasm of a preschool teacher, he said, : "Hey JuJu, want to put brother's shoes away? Put them back, back?" and with a twinkle in her eye and spring in her step, she happily obliged. He grinned like a fat cat and proceeded to stretch it a little further... "JuJu hang my coat up?" (He did have to open the closet door for her, but again- joyful obedience. He was sold. It doesn't get much better. We had to laugh the first time we saw it. We've decided not to intervene because they're learning valuable negotiation skills, helping others, and joyful obedience. So for now their game continues until one day we come in and find Julia in time out because Carter put her there for not listening :) But for now she still loves her brother completely and unconditionally, and for that we're very thankful. After all he loves her, too. I love to hear him say, "JuJu kiss? Another one? Now hug JuJu!" i just love these two.