Ask a Three-Year-Old: Doing the Right Thing

by A Three-Year-Old

Dear Three-Year-Old,

I’ve seen other people get what they want because they go after it without regard for anyone else. While I know that won’t make me feel any better, sometimes I want to do just that: I want what I want and I want it now, even if it will hurt somebody else. What do you do when you don’t want to do the right thing?

— Frustrated

Dear Frustrated,

Are you a monster? Monsters say: Grrrr. I do the monster stomp and chase the monsters away. But sometimes *I’m* a monster, and Mommy and Daddy and brother are monsters. We’re all monsters together! We all say: Grrrr! We have to take turns, though. Don’t interrupt. Now it’s my turn: GRRRR! Now it’s your turn.

We always take turns. And have at least one bite of everything. And share with our brothers, and use the potty, and say please, and give lots of hugs.

So: Do you want a time out? No? Okay. Thank you, Monster. You’re the winner of the race.

Previously: Heartbreak

Photo of a different three-year-old via benmcleod/flickr.

The three-year-old is three years old. Do you have any questions for a three-year-old?