Time to clean up

I've always been very "strict" about picking up toys each night; our house is too small to accommodate a play room, so we end up with toys in all of our common areas. Well, when the Monsters go to bed it's time for the adults to reclaim our space, so everything gets tucked away.

I don't remember how old the Big One was when I started asking for his help in picking up, but at 3 he now picks up all of his own toys without assistance, and generally without complaint (although he is easily distracted if the TV is on...).

Tonight I asked him to pick up his toys and costumes, and he hopped to it lickity split; when I turned around to ask him again, like I'd usually have to do, I found that 95% of the toys were put away, and he was sitting on the couch happily. Then, while I was praising him for being such a good help, the Little One decided to pitch in with the remaining things. Without being asked the Little One slid off the couch and put the car he was holding in the toybox, picked a book off the floor and put it in the book basket, and then gathered two balls from under a table and put them away. Without one word of direction.

There was something singularly sweet about watching the little man pick up a few things - knowing where they were supposed to go - and the pride he took in helping out. When he was done he climbed back onto the couch to give me big hugs, and I smiled and laughed and told him what a good boy he is.

I'm sure to someone else these few minutes wouldn't mean much, but to me they show how quickly my boys learn, and how naturally sweet they really are.

I am thoroughly charmed by my own children.