Our house came with a drinking fountain. Weird. For three years, it has remained unplugged because it is LOUD when the fan turns on. It is off to avoid water messes on the floor and to save energy. Lately Jack has been plugging it in. On Thursday I made a new rule: the fountain can only be on when a friend comes over. "Grandma is a friend and she is coming over today." Ok, it can be on today.
On Friday, Grandma was over again. On Saturday afternnon, the new rule didn't go over so well. Jack was so tired, he laid on the floor and cried because he wanted the fountain on and he rejected the two different water bottles I brought to him. He was too tired to even discuss it without whining and complaining. I just held him and then we played a game. Issue ignored.
On Sunday, he said he was ready to talk about it.
Mom: Ok, so here is what I think. The fountain is too loud and it wastes energy. It is easy to fill your water bottle when you are thirsty, so I want it off except when your friends come over. What do you want?
Jack: I want the fountain to be on all night, and all day, every day, every week and every minute.
Mom: (Repeats Jack's desire)
Jack: Yes.
Mom: So what can we come up with so we both can be happy? (Jack thinks.)
Jack: I know! One day on, one day off, one day on.
Mom: You mean every other day it can be off?
Jack: Yes!
Mom: And when you don't care about it, it can be off?
Jack: Yes!
Mom: Hmm, I can live with that. Wow, your first idea works! That is a great idea!
Jack beams with pleasure beacuse his desires were acknowledged and met halfway. I thank him for coming up with the solution to our problem. We are both happy!
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