know yourself

So, we had a weird overlap of events.  Uncle brought over some x-mas gifts because we didn't get to see them.  Then, he also brought gifts for R's b-day.   Well.  this all turned out to be terribly exciting.   The girls, gift unwrapping experts now, opened those things in a hurry.  They were excited and surprised at all of the gifts.  They said their thank you's and even followed the house rule (mostly).  

This rule is that when someone gets a new gift, they get the first 15 minutes to play with that gift uninterrupted.  After that, they should let you see it and possibly share it.   But the first 15 minutes are non-negotiable.  Sounds fair right?  Apparently R's baby snacks didn't count in the first 15 minute rule.  Primarily because R would have eaten them all by the time 15 minutes were up.   Also, because she cannot get up and move away from everyone when they want to try it out.   Oh well.  She didn't seem to mind sharing. 

But B hit the nail on the head when we stepped away from the fun for a moment.   She said "one more toy and I am about to get greedy" she paused and said "I could start throwing a fit if I don't get to play when I want to.  It is a lot of excitement and I want more."  

At first I was not pleased that she was so ... greedy!  They have EVERYTHING.   How could they possibly expect/want more?   Of course there was more, nana hadn't even been up with gifts for R yet.  But how could she expect it?  OH, maybe because she always gets stuff.  That is how.  It has more to do with my problem then her problem. 

Anyway.  Glad she knows her feelings and could talk about them prior to just screaming for more stuff.   We talked about it.  But more important will be the change.  A wise man (Brendan) once reminded me of advice he got from the radio.  Sure.. it is super easy to pacify them in the store with an item on clearance from the dollar section.  But this is where they develop their habits.  If you let them pick out a 25 cent item now, when they are 12, they will still expect things, but now the 25 cent item won't exist and won't pacify. 

Less is more.  Less is more.   Time to go read the Berenstine Bears Get the Gimmes.