Statutory Entitlements for the Not-So-Tiny

Almost every time I drive the mini-van full of children into the driveway, especially at night, I carry Madeleine into the house in my arms. Usually, Daniel takes exception to this, and begs me to carry him. I figure that any child that asks, at the age of five, to be carried, probably has a few insecurities to overcome, that are better assuaged through a modicum of compassionate indulgence. The whole, "Be a man!" routine usually backfires, whereas if you carry a not-so-portable child at their request, it probably sends the message that - "Yes, you're still my baby," in a way which will help them be more confident and authentically independent in the long run. But I always carry Madeleine in first, since she actually needs it, in a more essential, practical way.

Tonight, when we drove into the driveway, and I did my standard routine of unlocking the door and then coming back to get Madeleine, Daniel made a more constitutional request, though, apparently seeking to enshrine his status as Honorary Toddler:

"Daddy, can you carry me after you carry Madeleine, and can you remember that I always want to be carried after Madeleine?"

Of course, after I carried him in, Ian exercised his own prerogative as one of my three babies. He would have gotten into the house a lot faster and less awkwardly on his own, but I'm sure it's all a matter of principle.

(August 10, 2011)