I came home from work to find Mike obviously agitated. When I inquired as to why, he told me very emphatically that his little brothers had been very NAUGHTY for him! The boys were being boys. My steroid child, David, had been especially rowdy - running around in circles and yelling and screaming. Richard, tired of David's fits digressed to teasing him relentlessly. Brothers!!! None-the-less I told Mike I would talk to the boys.
Pulling the two aside after Mike left I began to lecture them that their behavior was unacceptable, especially with Mike not feeling well. I turned to Richard and told him he needs to be a better leader. I told him I was disappointed in his behavior and didn't want to hear this again. Richard apologized and was excused. David was sitting next to me and seemed to somewhat understand. He was quiet and looking kind of meek. I thought I would use this "teachable" moment.
"David, mommy doesn't like to hear you weren't nice when Mike was watching you. Mike doesn't feel well. Mommy wants you to be a good boy for him. Okay? I don't want to hear that again."
David, responded, with the most sincere gesture of trying to be helpful, "Weeellll, I could just go to sleep!"
