Well, in that case, I'll share a story. Many years ago, my oldest, then 3, drew an exquisite mural on her closet door during nap time. When I asked her why she drew on her closet door, she said "Because you told me not to draw on the walls." A perfect reminder for a peds that you have to be careful how you phrase what you tell children. Vicki "Eve, Seth and Amina Switzer" wrote: > > Got this through my joke listserv although it's not a joke.....passing it on > because I really liked it...hate to admit it, but sounds like something I > may be in danger of doing someday with my kids... > > What T.J. Drew > --------------- > A weary mother returned the store, > Lugging groceries through the kitchen door. > Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son, > Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done. > > "While I was out playing and Dad was on a call, > T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall! > It's on the new paper you just hung in the den. > I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again." > > She let out a moan and furrowed her brow, > "Where is your little brother right now?" > She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride, > She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide. > > She called his full name as she entered his room. > He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom! > For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved > About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved. > > Lamenting all the work it would take to repair, > She condemned his actions and total lack of care. > The more she scolded, the madder she got, > Then stomped from his room, totally distraught! > > She headed for the den to confirm her fears. > When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears. > The message she read pierced her soul with a dart. > It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart. > > Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it, > With an empty picture frame hung to surround it. > A reminder to her, and indeed to all, > Take time to read the handwriting on the wall. > Author Unknown >