Helping Scold

At our house "helping" is a big deal right now. "Why do I have to help you, Mom?" "Because it's nice to help each other, and besides, the faster we clean up the (toys, dishes, clothes, whatever), the faster we can (play a game, put a puzzle together, watch a movie, whatever)." This idea has sunk (sort of) into Ezra's mind.

Also at our house, Ezra likes to mimic Mommy. (Hold tight, this does relate to the sharing paragraph.) This includes, unfortunately, the times when Mommy needs to scold one of the younger kids. "Ezra, please don't scold Mercy. I've already taken care of the problem."

Today we were putting together a puzzle on the floor. Naturally, Gideon-boy was very curious and kept grabbing the pieces. "No, Gideon, no no," I said as I moved him out of the way.

"No, Gideon, you're not supposed to take the pieces!" Ezra said to Gideon, after he had been moved.

"Ezra, I've already taken care of it. You're not the mom, I don't want you to scold."

Repeat this conversation several times, with Mercy or Gideon as the culprit.

We finished putting together the puzzle, cleaned up, had lunch, and put the younger kids down for naps. Ezra, sitting on the couch next to me, says thoughtfully, "Mommy, you have to scold little kids, right?"

"To help them do the right things, yes, sometimes."

"And I need to help you scold little kids. So that you can get done faster."

I had no response.