Joshua has recently decided to assume the role of Mini-Mommy in our household. No, he does not do laundry, cook, or maintain this website. Instead, he focuses his energy on bossing around his big brother!
This morning the boys picked out the shirts they would like to wear today and were each holding a shirt while waiting for me to help them get dressed. Caleb dropped his shirt on the ground. Joshua sternly instructed his brother, saying "Caleb [insert dramatic pause], pick up your shirt". Caleb picked up his shirt. Joshua somewhat reluctantly offered his approval of Caleb's obedience with a mildly enthusiastic "good boy".
This was not an isolated incident. If Joshua perceives that Caleb is eating too fast during a meal, he will point his finger at his brother and sternly say, "Caleb, chew." If Caleb is throwing a tantrum, Joshua will tell him, "Caleb, stop screaming. Do you want to go to your room by yourself?" The thing that amuses me most is the tone of voice Joshua uses when he's dishing out these commands. His voice drops a few decibels and he utters his commands and threats in a firm monotone. I guess that must be what I sound like to the boys when they perceive that I mean business!
Sweet Caleb has been humoring his brother's Mini-Mommy tendencies pretty well. Although, I do wonder if Caleb's occasional outbursts against Joshua are partially rooted in his frustration with always being bossed around by his upstart little brother...
That is hilarious!
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