Brotherly Love?

I figure that I am entitled to brag shamelessly about any or all of my grandchildren, let’s say every 10th blog.  In fact, such a ratio seems to demonstrate remarkable restraint.

So, this week, I am going to use that privilege with tidbits from the most recent visit of my two youngest grandsons, ages: 4 ¾ and 22 months. The brothers have a pretty predictable relationship---involving some territoriality, but they also enjoy a lot of amusement from each other and a readiness to engage each other in play. Are they competitive?  You bet. Do they get a great belly laugh from each other’s antics? No doubt about it. And not just the old “slipping on a banana peel” induced laughs. Sharing amusement is common for these two.

There is no question that the older boy sees it as his perogative to define the limits of individual rights and common turf; while the younger sticks to standing up for himself.  For example, one evening, a game got started involving combing Daddy’s hair. Each son had a comb and was defining his own territory in Daddy’s short short crown.  It didn’t need combing at all, it never does; but that’s beside the point. Things got a little rowdy, and later when the oldest was preparing for bed, he interpreted the event. “L thinks that you are just HIS Daddy. But you’re not.  You’re MY Daddy too”.

This observation assumes that the 4 year old had accepted the necessity of sharing Daddy. Or was he trying to get Daddy’s agreement that their father does indeed belong to both boys?

There is always a ratio of advantage, involving age, developmental markers, and the cuteness factor, generally favoring the little one. Some younger siblings are more stalwart and don’t easily succumb to teasing about their size, skills, non-primogeniture rights. So when C calls L a baby, L calmly corrects him: “I am not a baby; I am a Toddler”. And his tone is quite serious, suggesting pride. He hooks his thumbs to his overall straps and stands tall.

Can’t argue with that!