My Son Thinks I'm A Genius!

On the way home from the library:

C: Mommy, can I watch my new movie when we get home?

M: No. I'm sorry sweetie, but it'll be nap time when we get home.

C: Awwwwwww. (whining and whimpering ensues)

M: Caleb. Do not throw a tantrum.

C: Oookaaaayyy (he says half crying)

A few minutes later...

C: Mommy, can I just play for 5 minutes when we get home?

M: Sure, you can play for 5 minutes. But, when you're time is up, no tantrums!

C: Okay! Thanks mommy! I'm going to watch my movie for 5 minutes.

M: Ummm... well, I said you could play for 5 minutes, not watch a movie for 5 minutes.

C: Please mommy!

M: Well, okay. (I was feeling a bit taken advantage of, but really, what's the diff?)

A few more minutes later...

C: Mommy, you're a genius!

M: I am? Well, thank you! But, why am I a genius?

C: Because you told me I could watch my movie for 5 minutes!

M: Oh.

C: You always come up with the great ideas mommy! I love you!

Uh, what just happened here? Was that my idea? Well, if not, I sure do feel like a great mommy now. Then I got to thinking and laughed and told Caleb...

M: Caleb, you are a masterful manipulator.

Which is kinda funny since I've been told that I am a manipulator and I always took such offense to it. But, in Caleb, I see it as one more thing that we need to help him control and understand about his personality. This could really be something to his advantage when he grows up. I mean, this is an advanced manipulative skill he's demonstrating. A very smart man wrote a book about this. (i say this in jest, btw)