Again a three year old’s response to my saying No to his “I want……” request for goldfish crackers at 9 am. I try to explain once again that his want is not a need, nor is it a request that I will always honor. His reply to that is a quick “Please I may have goldfish” as though throwing in all the ‘good’ words I love to hear, all at the same time, will magically change this scene in his favor and I will grant his request. As any other parent or grandparent knows, that sudden mixed vocabulary cuteness often does change our hearts to give in, at least the first two or three times we hear it.

It’s the equivalent of pretty please with sugar on top, but turned upside down or backwards in a way we want more of because it tickles us so. Soon all their words will be tidily said in perfect sequence, but how we love the mix ups while they happen! I think it saves many a cross reply, as we often have to turn our faces to hide a smile even when we are being stern. He is so good with words and manipulation of the kill her with kindness variety vs meltdowns, that he is totally confident the right words will get him exactly what he wants. He isn’t in the least bit pleading when he rephrases his request, which I call a soft demand. The insecure child in me is so “impwessed” as my granddaughter used to say, that it often works. And even when I say no, he just smiles and turns back to his play of the moment, knowing full well it will probably still work the next time. I often think of how we sometimes try the same thing with God, sweetening the prayer requests just a little if they are just a bit self centered, hoping he may be swayed by our momentary cuteness, maybe just one more time.