I realise it was, in the Sun parlance, An Absolute Scorcher! here yesterday, but even so, I was somewhat perturbed to find the paddling pool already filled and three outfits soaking wet before 10am.
'But they said they wanted to get it out' was MM's predictable response. Yes, just like Oscar told him he wanted three weetabix and Ava said they needed to get all the balls out for Archie to play with.
Children instinctively know who to ask for things and in this house, I am bad cop, whereas MM is not so much good cop and cuddly, roll over and tickle-his-tummy cop.
So, as I can expect the paddling pool to be filled on a regular basis these coming months, I have made a new rule. After the water-based mayhem is over, the paddling pool has to be emptied, one small watering can at a time, over the vegetable garden and containers.
It actually turns out this is nearly as much fun as the paddling pool. You see I like to think of myself as less bad cop, and more pragmatic parent who now has one less job to do.
Kids definately know who is the soft touch. My 4 year old niece has her grandad wrapped around her little finger but knows better than to ask grandma!!!
Posted by: Helen/patientgardener | May 11, 2009 at 01:26 PM
what a great idea, you'll avoid paddling-pool patch on the lawn as well!
Posted by: Lia Leendertz | May 11, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Helen - I find 4 year old girls to be arch manipulators of the world. Her Grandad doesn't stand a chance!
Lia - yes, good point. It will also stop the Kamikaze bees taking a moonlight swim in it.
Posted by: Dawn Isaac | May 12, 2009 at 08:54 AM
I am, compared to you I think, really really bad cop. No mine haven't been in the paddling pool. See? Mean.
Oh and well done on the Junior article - did you get to keep any of the lovely stuff?!
Posted by: Deb | May 12, 2009 at 11:19 PM
I was so hoping they were going to accidentally leave something behind, but no! They took the lot!!
Posted by: Dawn Isaac | May 13, 2009 at 01:16 PM
You are the mother of invention! Great way to make work fun ;-)
Posted by: Avis | May 14, 2009 at 04:41 AM
It was actually two whole weetabix, not three. What kind of a fool do you take me for? Ava still delights in recounting the story months after it happens - usually with Good Cop prompting....
Posted by: MM | May 15, 2009 at 02:30 PM