What’s your return policy on this one?

Our youngest two have come a long way toward becoming playmates. When I think back to last summer, the progress is remarkable.

Yet, there are still many days when they don’t click at all and tensions run high. And, ever since the Toddler turned two it’s as if she’s more determined than ever to make her opinions and desires known about everything from which seat she wants to sit in to which crayon is “mine!!,” etc. This doesn’t sit well with the Preschooler who also has strong opinions on such matters. The Toddler is also especially interested in the older girls’ toys, shoes, tooth brushes, and other personal belongings. And, she gets a big thrill out of stealing something she knows they are using or playing with and making a wild run with it before being chased down. I think most of her antics stem from a sincere desire to be one of the “big” girls. But, she’s just not quite there yet, and it runs all over her middle sister.

So, at the peak of her frustration last week, the Preschooler asked me {in very serious fashion} if we could “get another sister who isn’t naughty.” In fact, she went so far as to put in a specific request for our neighbor’s docile baby.

I explained that while I understood her request for a trade, the Toddler didn’t come with a return or exchange policy. So, we’re going to have to deal with it… and speak no more of trading her.

She’s a bit high maintenance. But much like Wonder Woman, she is good-hearted and well-intentioned. And, I think she will learn {in time} to use her powers for the good of humanity… and her sisters.