Tails

So as I mentioned, last night was pack meeting. And since it was Doe's first( in this pack), he got a tail tied to his belt loop and he wasn't supposed to take it off until he did a "good turn".

By the time we got home, it had fallen off (who tied that thing anyway?) And Doe asked me what it was for. I explained it to him and he said, "What is a 'good turn'?" I told him it was what we refer to as a "helping hand". I also told him he would have to wear it to school tomorrow unless he did a helping hand (I was totally kidding and I think he knew that, but just in case, he wanted to take care of it.)

Now that the 2 foot rope is detached from his body, it is a toy. And while he is completely enthralled with this toy, he asks me if I know a helping hand he can do. I tell him he has to figure one out on his own. And immediately after that, I gave half a dozen assignments to each of the children (put coats, shoes away, clean jobs in kitchen, etc.)

And, yet, while still entertained by his rope, Doe can not figure out a helping hand.

After at least 5 more times of repeating myself to get everything done that needed to be done, we start up the stairs. I am carrying the laundry basket. Two steps before the top, Doe's brain starts to work and he says, "Mom, I'll carry that basket up for you for a helping hand." Not a chance!!

After no less than 17 more opportunities to do a helping hand, Doe consigned himself to going to bed without any of said opportunities.

This morning after threats of wearing a "tail" to school, and without the rope in his hands, he promptly figured out a helping hand.

Seriously, his future wife is in trouble. No multi-tasking for him.