Demands & Refusals

This morning, I was working on our traditional Sunday breakfast of German pancakes* when I heard Zoe shuffling into the kitchen. I knew she was coming in to "help." This is one of the demands she makes - she is my kitchen helper. Her exact words this morning were, "Mommy, you always need a little kid to help you," and "Little kids need to wear aprons." After a few moments of egg stirring, she then said, "Mom! I need water in a sippy cup with ice." These are three of her frequent demands, which got me thinking about the demands and refusals that my kids make in their current phases.

Nicky - Age 10

Demands that his clothes be two sizes bigger than necessary.

Refuses to wear denim, pants, shoes with laces, or shirts with collars.

Demands to watch Jimmy Fallon, American Ninja Warrior, and Master Chef, Jr.

Refuses to shower, go to bed, do his hair, or wear "nice" clothes (hello, ten-year-old boy!)

Refuses to read anything other than Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Demands that we let him use his own money to buy geriatric supplies at the thrift store (wheelchairs, walkers, neck braces, shower chairs, etc) (we refuse).

Daisy - Age 7

Demands to be first.

Refuses to watch, read, or listen to any movies, books, or music that she didn't pick herself even if it's something she likes.

Refuses to have her hair in a bun.

Demands to watch Austin & Ally, Bunk'd, and Jessie.

Demands to be in charge.

Refuses to follow anyone else in charge.

Demands to spend her money immediately.

Zoe - Age 4

Demands to wear nightgowns all day.

Refuses to drink milk.

Demands to watch Zig and Sharko, Rabbids Invasion and pretty much any show where the characters don't actually speak.

Demands hard shell tacos.

Refuses to wear shoes.

Demands to go on bike rides.

Demands blankies.

Eva - Age 2

Demands "milky." The second she wakes up, she starts yelling, "Milky!!!"

Refuses to eat.

Demands on buckling her car seat herself.

Demands blankies.

Demands that we "tickle back" and "tickle button" (tickle her belly button).

Refuses to take liquid medicine.

Demands to go to Chick-Fil-A.

Demands to watch Good Burger. Not Dora. Not Elmo. Not even Elsa. Just Ed.

*This isn't the recipe we use, but close enough to give you an idea of what they are. When Scotty and I were dating, we both expressed that we loved German pancakes. Then one day, Scotty's mom made a German pancake for us, and I was like, "Uhhh.... what is this thing?" because in my family, German pancakes were crepes.