Stars

I noticed that I don't often mention S. And really? It's because she spends her life trying to be perfect. There are no stories of mischief or disobedience. No back-talking or crazy impulsive moves.

The girl hasn't lost a star on her star chart in weeks. Maybe months.

Her biggest fault is the fact that she tattles on others sometimes. She just doesn't understand why someone wouldn't follow the rules.

The girl has "I stayed in my bed" on her star chart. Not because she gets up, necessarily, but because we had to write something in those waiting blanks.

I was in the basement, doing laundry, when I heard her calling me, a little desperately. I peeked in her door, and said, "Honey, what do you need?"

"I need to go to the bathroom!"

"Go!"

"But mom, that would be getting out of my bed!"

"Honey, you can get out of your bed if you need something. Like if you need a drink of water or if you need to go to the bathroom."

"Oh. Okay. Thank you." (The kid thanks me for everything.)

"MOM!"

"What, honey?"

"Is it okay that I yelled?" (Apparently, she is well aware of the boys' star chart too, because "I asked for what I wanted nicely, instead of yelling" is on B's.)

"Yes. You were just using a voice that I would actually be able to hear."

"Oh. Okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Thanks."