"I Got It, Dad"

Bradley has been gaining independence. Last night, he wanted to read his book on Space at the dinner table. He asked Mommy to read it, then asked Daddy to read it, then said, "All by myself." He then proceeded to point out what was in each picture ("space shuttle," "space man," "astronaut," all the planets and five moons of Saturn). He also congratulated himself with a "Yay, great job!" when he finished the book. He also now reads all of the book "Yummy Yucky" by himself, and the Potty book which we read to him when we sit him on the potty (he's not "using" the potty yet, unfortunately). And, he counsels himself when he is being frustrated with his toys or playing too rough with his toys, "Be nice to your toys. Be nice." Daddy taught him to say, "I got it, Dad," perhaps as wishful thinking. When he drops things, he will now say, "I got it, Dad," and pick them up.

At the same time he is gaining independence, he is also doing more of what we ask of him. When he wants to start a new activity, we ask him to put away the toy(s) he was just playing with, and he willingly complies. He puts his cars away in a bin, puts his books back on the shelf, etc.

We also exploit this to our advantage. For instance, when he wants a "back ride" or to be picked up, we say, "What do you say?" and he says, "Pleeeease," then we say, "And what else?" and he gives us a kiss ("mwah!") and a hug ("awww!").