Life Journal

If you're interested in reading my reflections on the Life Journal Bible readings, check out Ian's Life Journal blog.

Monday, 16 January 2012

Joni the Mediator

We were at a birthday party and the kids got normal-air balloons on plastic sticks (the kind that stand up without need for helium).

Hannah had been annoying Joni by bopping her on her head with her balloon, so I told Hannah that if she didn't cease and desist, I would take the balloon away from her. She didn't, so I did.

Naturally, Hannah, being 2½, started whining and crying. After some minutes, Joni decided she wanted the baby sling that Hannah had on her lap. I told Joni that she'd have to ask Hannah for it because it was Hannah's. Joni asked, then complained to me that even though she said "Please", Hannah didn't give it to her. I explained to Joni that it was because Hannah was upset that her balloon had been taken away from her.

Then Joni proceeded to negotiate with Hannah that if mummy gave her back her balloon, would she promise not to bop Joni on her head anymore? So Hannah promised, and we gave her back her balloon, then Joni asked for for the sling "please" and Hannah gave it to her!

Juliane and I were quite impressed with 4-year-old Joni's negotiation skills! ☺

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