Kids only think they want to grow up.

What is it that makes childhood such a race? FREE-DOM cry our little Wallaces. At least they won't die a horrible death for it.

Take Baby Guy. He's a hoot. Lately he won't take a sippy cup from my hand. Oh no. He will bring me the cup demanding "Dink." or "ilk", then run to the fridge to get it out himself. After I fill it and screw on the lid I have to put it back in the fridge. He will then open the door and take it out himself to suck it down in two seconds and demand a refill.

Princess P isn't so sure. She cleans up like a champ, but will run around the house naked for hours, then bring me a pull up when she has to pee. "Don't you want to use the potty?"
"NO! Pull-up."
Then we go to church and she uses the potty with the other kids. See, sometimes the herd mentality is a good thing. After all, she doesn't want to be left behind.

And really that's what it's about. They aren't really sure they want to grow up. They just don't want to be left behind. Kind of like our oldest with his deodorant, and not being the only one. (http://mamamsplace.blogspot.com/2008/09/im-not-only-one.html Edited to add link, thanks K for the help!)

More evidence that it's more the peer thing than the maturity thing shows up at our house every Saturday when it's time for the boys to clean their rooms. Bob, our natural neatnick is done in 15 minutes. Whereas the older two can stretch the job out over half a day, trying to do just enough to say they did their share while still convincing themselves the other brother did more work. All it takes for Abe to finish the job by himself is a phone call from a friend. No clean room? No weekend play dates. The herd comes in handy again. With Chip it's usually the feed trough that motivates him. No clean room? No lunch. I don't care if lunch is at three. He certainly does though, and has only had lunch encroach on dinner once.

And then there are those who just are dying to join the herd. Princess D was so put out when Chip went to Kindergarten this year, without her! Why she's missing out on stories, and art, and homework? And no talking? Well, mom has a whole cabinet of art stuff here, and we can watch Dora! As the year has worn on, she's relished being little just a bit longer after all. Freedom comes with a lot of responsibilty. It can wait a while.