Me (being logical adult): The clothes are too small for you now. So, we're going to give them to a little girl who can wear them.
J (being three and unphased by logic): No! Those are my clothes!
Me (trying new tack, i.e. bribery): I know, but they don't fit, and they're taking up room in your closet. We need to make room to go buy you new clothes.
J (thinking her authoratative hierarchy is also mine): But MY MOM SAID they still fit me. (She has also told me I have to give her cookies because Pappi said I have to).
Me (growing tired of this conversation): your mom hasn't seen you in these clothes in a while, so she doesn't know they're too small yet.
J (crying now): Uh huh! My mom bought me those clothes, and you can't give them to anyone else!
Me (officially done with the coversation now): The clothes your mom bought you are in the dryer. They're going home with you. Brooke gave us these clothes, and we're giving them to Kate now.
J (not done with the conversation): why?! They're mine!
Me (officially turning into my mother) Because I said so.
J: Stops crying, leaves kitchen and resumes toddler activities.
The reason "because I said so" was invented: its sheer power to end unwinnable arguments with toddlers.
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This made me laugh!!! Because its usually Kate telling me, "because I say so"- although its usually the answer to questions like, "Why did you let the dog eat your food?"
ReplyDeletePlease tell J that Kate is very thankful for the clothes!