Slave Labor
Michael is compulsive about picking up. At only 22 months, he can pick up an entire room full of toys ALL BY HIMSELF. Not only does he pick all the toys up, be he puts them back in the appropriate bins as well. Of course, every time he does this I give plenty of positive feedback to ensure the behavior continues. His 46 m/o sister, on the other hand, has acute onset set overwhelming fatigue syndrome whenever asked to pick up.
Today while Michael and mommy took a 2 hour nap, Amy quietly played with scissors, crayons, paper, little people, and trucks--all concurrently. I appreciated how quiet she remained, but the resulting mess was enormous.
"Amy," I stated. "This mess has to be picked up before lunch."
"OK Mommy," she answered, quiet unconcerned and continued to play in the mess.
I started to putz around in the kitchen trying to pull together a meal. I freely admit I wasn't paying too much attention--especially since I started to hear sounds of things being picked up.
About 15 minutes later, a jubilant Amy appeared at the kitchen door. "Mommy, come quickly and look!" She squealed delightedly. Michael's picked up all MY toys by himself! What a GOOD BOY." She danced happily through the house, praising Michael for his amazing work abilities.
Sure enough, my poor exploited Michael HAD picked up all of Amy's toys, papers, cars, and little people and put them in the correct boxes. He seemed quite proud of himself and was soaking in his elder sibling's praise.
So yes, this manipulation thing starts very early. Guess next time Michael will hang out with me in the kitchen while Amy learns to pick up her own toys....
Today while Michael and mommy took a 2 hour nap, Amy quietly played with scissors, crayons, paper, little people, and trucks--all concurrently. I appreciated how quiet she remained, but the resulting mess was enormous.
"Amy," I stated. "This mess has to be picked up before lunch."
"OK Mommy," she answered, quiet unconcerned and continued to play in the mess.
I started to putz around in the kitchen trying to pull together a meal. I freely admit I wasn't paying too much attention--especially since I started to hear sounds of things being picked up.
About 15 minutes later, a jubilant Amy appeared at the kitchen door. "Mommy, come quickly and look!" She squealed delightedly. Michael's picked up all MY toys by himself! What a GOOD BOY." She danced happily through the house, praising Michael for his amazing work abilities.
Sure enough, my poor exploited Michael HAD picked up all of Amy's toys, papers, cars, and little people and put them in the correct boxes. He seemed quite proud of himself and was soaking in his elder sibling's praise.
So yes, this manipulation thing starts very early. Guess next time Michael will hang out with me in the kitchen while Amy learns to pick up her own toys....
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