What Do You Really Want?

My five-year-old is one strong-willed boy. Meaning, he knows what he wants, and he always has to get what he wants. Hence, when he doesn't get his way, we often find ourselves in never-ending discussions. He's one who never gives up on his cause until he understands why he's not allowed to do something--he persists by asking over and over, and over again. Sometimes, he succeeds and gets us to change our minds. Many times, he gets into our nerves.

One night, as I was getting him ready for bed, we were as usual playing an emotional tug-of-war-- him pleading for permission to watch tour videos, and me using the last ounce of my patience explaining why I can't allow him to watch. When he realized that I wasn't budging, he started wailing and lamenting, Why am I ALWAYS not allowed to do so many things??!

Tired and exhausted from a long day with him and the baby, I sighed and said, "You're not the only one who doesn't get to do things you want to do, you know." I dropped down on the bed, grabbed my pillow, and before covering my face with it, I added, "There are also so many things I want, but I cannot have!"

He was quiet for a moment. I imagined wheels turning in his head. He's never heard that before. What could my mommy possibly want that she cannot have? He crawled up to me and tried to lift the pillow off my face. When I held on to it, he pulled hard, peeping to see my face. Why mommy? What do you want?!" Apparently intrigued by the drama of his mommy's unmet needs, he forgot all about his own concerns, and turned his full attention on his sulking mommy. Mommy, talk to me!

Needing some space to process my thoughts, I turned my back on him, lying on my side, keeping the pillow pressed to my face. That did not deter him from his mission. His mommy was not happy, and he has to find out why. He sat beside me and repeated his question. What do you want, mommy? This time, I could hear worry and concern in his voice. He grabbed my hand and nudged me, insisting on an answer. What do you need, mommy??!

When I remained quiet, he tried cuddling (told you, he's one persistent boy). Mommy, don't be sad now--what do you need? Then apparently struck with an idea, he jumped up and started yelling at the top of his voice. A clip?! I can buy you one! Don't worry, mommy, I have money saved up, I can buy you one! That, he said with a confident air in his voice, like, No worries, mommy, I can provide for your needs.

A clip?! So simple, mommy! Ha ha ha ha ha! Why be grumpy and sulky when your son can buy you a clip to make you happy? Roaring with laughter, I threw the pillow off my face, and turned to cuddle with my oh-so-sweet son! I tell you, this boy can get me so stressed out, but no one else in this world can also de-stress me and make my heart smile so big as well as him. What a wonderful life!

What were we even arguing about in the first place? That, I choose not to remember. :D