I Have a Problem

"Cars" the original movie

 Jack is very independent. He says every day, "I can do it all by myself" or proudly exclaims "I did it!". I love it. But with this burgeoning independence evidently comes the knowledge that there is an acceptable range of how things get done -- OK, I'll put on my shoes, but not those, how about these? OK, I won't pull the shade all the way down on the stroller, how about just this far, now how about just this far? And so on. Everything is now a negotiation it seems.

Negotiation extends to bedtime. One more story. No? Ok, how about some more water? No? OK, I need my blankets tucked in just so.

"Cars 2", the sequel

But my favorite delay tactic each and every night is this:

Jack: "Mommy, I have a problem." Sighs, is very serious.

Me: "What is your problem?"

Jack: "It's Cars 1 and Cars 2." No further information.

Me: "OK, that's a nice problem. We can talk more about that tomorrow morning."