Learning to Deceive

It's a typical childhood milestone - learning to deceive our parents! And I am pleased to report that Connor is trying his best to pull the wool over my eyes. Yesterday he came in from school and said, "I had good behavior. Can I go on the computer?" (The computer is a huge motivator for him.) I told him sure, only to be interrupted by my husband asking Connor if he had something to show me. It was so cute and perfect - Connor tried to hide his "yellow light" and then came over to me and tried to smooth it over with hugs. It was all I could do not to laugh. He has started to pretend that he is sick so he can stay home from school. He uses his best acting abilities as he coughs, holds his stomach or rubs his head. He also asks me to do something when my husband has already told him "no" - the old pit parent against parent trick.


I am so excited that he has learned this skill! Why? It shows me that he completely understands that he can manipulate me or the situation to get what he desires - quite a high level skill. I remember trying these techniques, unsuccessfully, myself as I was growing up. 


So as I write this, I am sitting with a smile on my face wondering what he will come up with next.