My three-year-old grandson has a special gift.
Like most young children his age, he knows how to charm adults to get what he wants, but he has more flare than I’ve seen in most preschoolers.
I do realize that I could have a skewed viewpoint because he is my grandson, but I have been around a lot of small children.
This little guy has some real pizzazz.
Usually, when he wants something, I can first tell in his eyes.
His eyes twinkle until the twinkle spreads to the rest of his face and into a full-face grin.
Then he will come up next to me, grab my hand, and say something like, "How are you, My Sweet?"
I know I’m being played, but this kid is absolutely ADORABLE!
It takes everything in me to remain strong.
No, you may not eat an entire bag of candy.
No, you will not get away with hitting your sister.
No, you may not have all the toys to yourself. You do need to share.
It’s a struggle!
Do you know who my grandson reminds me of? My youngest and smallest dog, Archie.
Archie is the baby of our family, and he knows he is cute.
I swear, he tries the same stuff, minus the hand-holding and calling me, "My Sweet."
Archie definitely has a twinkle in his eye, and he can undoubtedly grin.
He is by far the most dramatic of all my dogs, but he melts my heart.
He uses that to his advantage.
Scientists have discovered that dogs use their facial muscles specifically to communicate with humans.
Most dog owners would laugh at that and tell the scientists they know that already.
Even though I’m a dog trainer, sometimes it’s hard for me to stay strong and keep the rules.
Spoiling Archie by not requiring him to follow any rules is not what is best for him or me.
Thankfully, I do know how to communicate with Archie, and I know what rules are best for Archie to follow, even when he gives me his big eyes because he wants things his way.
Archie’s approach is not usually the best way, just like my grandson’s way is not usually the best way.
Rules are there to make things easier and safer for us all.
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