Recently they built a new library by our house. I took Max for a visit and we chose some BRAND NEW board books to take home for the week. Among these borrowed books was a much beloved book with flaps. Max especially liked the flap that revealed a kitty underneath. The problem with flap books is that, although they love them, small children tend to rip off the flaps in their enthusiasm. Usually this is not a problem with library books as they have already been so loved by all the other children that no one will notice your child's contribution. Not so with BRAND NEW library books. And so Gus and I were attempting to be very militant about making sure that Max did not rip the flaps.
One of the many parenting lessons I've learned is that attempting to be militant at protecting stuff from children never works. Eventually you will get distracted, and toddlers are very adept at picking those moments to attack whatever precious thing you have been desperately trying to protect. The board book proved no exception.
While in the middle of a distracting task, Gus hears Max's monologue from the adjacent room:
"Kitty! Flap no rip....no rip flap...no...no... RIP IT!"
While our vigilance skills are definitely lacking, we are getting pretty good with the tape. Somebodies kid had to be the first to love the library book, right?
aw, it's adorable that he seemed to be trying so hard not to rip it and then he did! it's almost like he talked himself into it :)
ReplyDeleteYes it never ceases to amuse me. He often verbally tells himself which things are no. It seems to help his restraint...usually.
ReplyDeleteI am the Chief Librarian of the Waterloo PL. Book vandalism hurts everyone and I encourage you to make amends (financially) the next time you drop by the library. Thank you for your attention to this matter and Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMabel Coons