Signe is my logic girl. She has an argument or explanation for everything, and she'll question your logic if it sounds fishy. Sometimes this is annoying as a parent that is trying to pull a fast one on her, but generally it's useful because it makes her easier to negotiate with. . .plus, it's REALLY entertaining most of the time.
The other day we had this particular conversation while she was sliding down the stairs in a sleeping bag. As a parent I am thinking, "Oh no you don't--you're going to crack your head open!" But I remember doing just what she is doing as a child, and we had really steep stairs with a wall three feet from the bottom and no hand rail. So part of me is also thinking, "Hey, it was FUN--and I survived, right?"
In this situation I try to get her to make a smart choice for herself. Here is the result:
I sit at my desk, with a front seat view of Sig's activities, and consider the afore mentioned conundrum. As I watch Signe go whooshing down the stairs we make eye contact between the rails. . .
Signe (as she reaches the bottom): You know how we make up fun things and then you tell us we can’t do them? Well that’s just wrong. Because it is lots of fun and it IS safe.
Me: Why do you think I tell you not to do it?
Signe: ‘cause I might hurt myself.
Me: Do you think you will?
Signe: Maybe, but maybe not so much that I cry.
Me: Are you going to stop?
Signe: Yes, when I hurt myself I will stop.
(after which she immediately scratches her back)
Me: Are you going to stop?
Sig: Yes. (As she climbs the stairs one more time. . . and slides down again.)
Me: When?
Sig(Upon reaching to bottom): Right now.
She walks away. . .
Two minutes later she comes back for the sleeping bag. As she drags it away she eyes me at the computer.
Sig: I am going to try another one. . .this one is safe. (then, loudly, as she walks away): I need lots of pillows. . .
If I had to make a guess I would say my couch is about to become a launching pad. . .
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