Self authorization

I witnessed something interesting the other day.

Daniel understands for the most part (thankfully) that he CANNOT climb on tables, chairs, benches, bookshelves, or other objects from which he can cause serious damage to himself, the house, or Mom and Dad's sanity.

He also understands that there are certain things he CAN do if he asks nicely. For example, he may have Mom and Dad read him a book, or open something for him, or help him to operate one of his toys. If this is the case, he usually says "Mama, umph pleesh?!" This loosely translates into "Mother, would you be so kind as to open this box of toys for me? I appear to be having trouble operating the zipper. Also, Dad is cool." or more simply put "Help me, please."

Daniel has also been a very good little boy and knows usually to say "Please" and "Thank you" after he makes one of these requests.

Daniel had an epiphany the other day and realized these realities of his little world can be combined for a very desirable effect: self authorization.

This is what I literally watched unfold before my eyes.

Daniel approached the kitchen table - one of the items in the house he loves to climb on but gets in BIG trouble for doing so. Climbing on the table is what finally started timeouts.

As he stopped at one of the chairs the following occured: (Keep in mind, no one is around him and he sees no one nearby.) The following is a conversation he had with himself represented by Daniel #1 and Daniel #2.

Daniel #1: "Up, pleesh. Up, pleesh."

(Pause - stares at chair)

Daniel #1: "Up pleesh......."

(This is the exact moment the synapses in his brain fired and he had the epiphany)

Daniel #1 to Daniel #2: "Pleesh"

Daniel #2 to Daniel #1: "Yesh, OK, Yesh."

Daniel #1 to Daniel #2: "Tank ooo" (Thank you)

Daniel #2 to Daniel #1: "OK"

Having given himself permission, he began to climb up onto the table. Dad then stepped in, biting his tongue to keep from laughing.