The Grass is Greener

The girls have been teaching me a lesson that’s vital to twin toddlerhood: Whatever’s in someone else’s hands is better than what’s in your own.

This rule of thumb plays itself out all day long, every long day.  No matter whether the object is a toy, a book, a gadget, a rock, or a crumb, the rule holds true.  The moment one girl looks over at her sister and spies something in her hands, it instantly becomes a must-have item that needs to be procured at all costs.  It also applies to physical areas – namely, my lap.  I can beg one of the girls to sit in my lap and read a book, but it’s not until her sister plops down for a snuggle that the other one instantly realizes that my lap is, indeed, the best place on earth. 

Although this rule typically causes headaches all around, I’ve been brainstorming ways to use it to my advantage.  I finally came up with a winner this afternoon during lunchtime.  I had served the girls grilled cheese.  Neither of them were particularly thrilled with the sandwiches today; they each partially chewed a piece, then took it out of their mouths and placed it on their trays.  I noticed them each looking over at each other’s trays with a longing glance and I saw my move.  Making a big show of how nice it was for the girls to share their food with each other, I took Susie’s masticated sandwich and handed it to Becky, and gave Becky’s slobbery piece to Susie.  Delighted with obtaining her sister’s lunch, they both chowed down happily. 

I guess it’s true what they say: The grass is always greener on the other side…even when it’s pre-chewed.