If you think trying to figure out your child is a puzzle, just think about how they feel trying to talk to you.
"One, two..." Oh no, what comes after two? WHAT COMES AFTER oh wait, I remember. "Free, four, five, six!" There! I counted all the empty slots in the wood storage case of my puzzle bundle. Surely, Daddy gets the picture now.
"Very GOOD, Ella! You counted all the way to six! Do you remember what comes after six?"
What? No! I mean, of course I know what comes after six. That's not the point! Maybe if I should try again, but slower as I point to each slot. "Onnnnnnnne, twwwwwwo, freeeeeeee..."
"No, honey, it's THree. Say it with me, THUR-eee!"
Ugh! He knows I'm saying three, but he's too hung up on correct pronunciation to actually listen to me. I need to change my tactics. I know, I'll point to one of the six puzzles and then to a slot. That should get the message across. "Puzzle! No puzzle."
"Good job, sweetie! All six of your wooden puzzles fit in the case! You're so smart! Do you want to put one together with, Daddy? Is that what you want to do?"
How is he not getting this? No, I don't want to do a puzzle! I've mastered all of them already! These Fish, the Farm Animals, Safari Animals, Pets, Numbers, and Alphabet puzzles are old hat now, Daddy, can't you see that? I need NEW ones, I need other Melissa and Doug puzzles to fit in the empty slots I keep counting for you! Geez, I'd spell it out if I could only spell!
"Ella, what's wrong? You look upset?"
Wait, I think he's getting it. Yes, Daddy, I AM upset, and I need...
"Here, let's do the Pets puzzle. That should cheer you up. Now then, where does the doggy go?"
Sigh. No one understands me. This must be how Olivia feels all the time.
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