Words to Ignore

Gusi is a brilliant little boy. He is also a happy one who is entertaining me in ways I never expected. Lately he is into telling me in no uncertain terms, what he does not want to do. At first I would argue with him or try to convince him that he needed to do them anyway; now I just nod my head and keep going with the program.

Me: Gusi, it's time for lunch, let's wash up.
Gusi: No, Mami, Gusi doesn't want to wash up and Gusi doesn't want to eat lunch.
Me: Oh, then we'll just go straight to nap time.
Gusi: No, Mami, Gusi doesn't want to take a nap.
Me: Really, well then let's wash up for lunch. I'll race you to the bathroom, let's see who wins!

we run down the hall to the bathroom

Me: Gusi, you won! What a fast boy you are. I bet you can wash your hands really fast too.
Gusi: No, Mami, Gusi doesn't want to wash his hands, Gusi doesn't want to eat lunch.
Me: Ok, then let's go for your nap.

he climbs up onto step ladder and puts his hands out to wash them

Gusi: No, Mami, Gusi is hungry, Gusi doesn't want nap time.
Me: Good thing that lunch is ready then.

we wash our hands and race back to the kitchen

Gusi: Mami, Gusi wants Jell-O for lunch.
Me: Sure Gusi, you can get Jell-O as soon as you eat your rice and fish.
Gusi: No, Mami, Gusi only wants Jell-O.
Me: Too bad, because for the children that finish their bowl of rice and fish, I've got some yummy grapes as a reward.
Gusi: Mami, Gusi wants grapes! Gusi wants a reward!
Me: Ok, then let's have some lunch! Big smile
Gusi: Ok! And then we can have some grapes?
Me: Sure.

he manages to eat lunch, forget about the Jell-O and chow down on the grapes

Gusi: Mami, Gusi doesn't want to take a nap.
Me: Ok, then let's go brush our teeth and wash our hands.

he brushes his teeth, washes his hands and walks straight to his bedroom without hesitation

Gusi: Mami, Gusi wants to sleep with Mami in her bed.
Me: I'll tell you a story before your nap and then let you take a book into your crib to read if you want.

Gusi climbs into my lap, I proceed to make up a story about a turtle living in Africa who was very good at taking naps and help him into his crib with a book

Gusi: Nite-nite Mami.
Me: Sweet dreams my love.