My three-year-old has had a fear -- for a long time -- that whatever she wants, it will be snatched away before she can get to it. Specifically: it will be snatched away by "The People."
Behold this common exchange:
Me: Let's go to the store. We have to buy milk.
Claire: (suddenly panicked) We gotta get it before The People get it!
No matter what it is, she is certain The People will find a way to get to it first. Toys. Food. Gasoline. It's always the same: "We gotta get it before The People get it!" She is yelling. She is adamant.
My six-year-old, of course, has a lot of fun with this one. "Claire, I think The People are getting the baby stroller you wanted!"
Naturally, I nip this teasing in the bud.
I do, however, admit to using The People to my own advantage from time to time. "Claire, you need to let me strap you into the car seat! You know we have to get to the store before The People get there!"
Works every time. (I know. I'm evil.)
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