Stuck with us

The Preschooler has always had what I would describe as a fiery temper. For the most part, we know what sets it off and can avoid a lot of the catalysts that might trigger it. Her sisters, though, {particularly the oldest} are not so careful in their interactions and often get her all fired up over the silliest of things.

It first started when she was two. For some reason, she decided the phrase “Shut the door!” could be used as a verbal attack. For example, we would be riding along in the car and she would want a book her sister was holding. She would be denied, but instead of yelling something typical like, “You’re mean!,” or “You’re ugly!,” she would scowl and yell, “Shut the door!” We’re still not quite sure why, but this was her ticked-off phrase of choice for awhile.

Fast-forward to age four {now}, and she’s chosen a new, but still random phrase to express her displeasure and/or anger with others. She reserves this one for family only. But, should any of us do something that upsets her, she’ll say: “You’re so busted.” Or, if name-calling is more appropriate in the moment, she’ll throw this one out: “You’re a busted head.” Everyone in the family knows you’re really on her bad side if you become a “busted head.”

Last night the girls got into a scuffle… I think it might have been related to their baby dolls, but scuffles are so common I can’t really say for sure. This particular argument escalated, though, until one was standing at the top of the stairs yelling down at the other one when finally, the younger of the two had heard enough. Even “busted head” wasn’t going to be enough of an insult, so she dug a little deeper:

The Preschooler: Well… You’re not my sister {pronounced “stiss-ter”} anymore!!

The Kindergartener: Oh, yes I AM!

The Preschooler: No, you’re NOT!

The Kindergartener: I’M STILL IN YOUR FAMILY!!

Like her mother, the Kindergartener always has to have the last word. And, this time, I’m afraid she’s right. No matter how clever the Preschooler may get with her verbal assaults, it’s a losing battle on this particular point. She can’t disown her big {perhaps sometimes bossy} “stiss-ter.”

Several years ago the Spouse gave me an artsy little magnet for our refrigerator. And, while the Preschooler may be disappointed, I think the words ring true:

Sorry, child, but you’re stuck with these two:

And, you’re stuck with us. Even if we’re all a bunch of “busted heads.”