Than night as we were pulling the covers down to go to be we found this under a pillow:
The following morning we told her that her letter was very cute but that she still could not have a fish but we promised to think about it. She seemed to accept this and again I thought we were done. Five days latter under our pillow we found a picture of a goldfish with a big question mark on it. I asked her why we should let her get a fish when we are always having to remind her to take better care of her existing pets. She asked that if she took better care of her existing pets would we possibly reconsider. I used the we'll think about it line again and hoped that she would just give up and forget about it. A couple of weeks went by and we thought she had finally given up, then this showed up a few days ago addressed to whom it may concern:
I thought we had already decided this but hope springs eternal I guess. She has been doing a better job of taking care of the dog and the cat but we really don't want a stinky fish in her room. We finally made a deal with her that if she could run the mile at school in under 12 minutes then we would allow her to redeem her coupon as long as she bought the bowl and other fish accessories. This will be a real hurdle for her unlike getting good grades which for Aubrey at this stage in her life is about as difficult as breathing. She is very excited and has planned out a training regime she is going to start after school today with her friend Katy. So what do you think? Were we too soft? Have I been manipulated by a 10 year old?
8 comments:
Yes, you've been manipulated by a very smart 10 year old. But, as she says, she DOES write a very persuasive letter! It's kind of amazing that she is willing to work so hard for a fish...If she achieves her running goal, you'd better come through with the fish. (Or I will get her that pigmy goat that I've mentioned before.)
That is hilarious! I think Aubrey writes a very persuasive essay. I think I would have given in after the first letter. You've got a stronger will than I have!
I too would have given in with the first letter! I hope my kids are as cute and smart as Aubrey someday. I just love her determined attitude! Hmm...don't we know anyone else who is quite stubborn and also LOVED animals as a child? The apple didn't fall far.
Give her the damn fish!
(This is Dad speaking.)
My words exactly!
When Reed was two, he hurled a ping pong ball at the fair and won a fish. They gave it to him on the spot. We bought a tank and put the fish on the shelf next to his bed. He named his fish Abraham. One day I went into his room to wake him up and Abraham was lying in the tank eyeball up with his back half missing. Just half a fish floating on the top of the water. I woke Reed up and asked him what happened to Abraham.
"I asked him a question and he didn't answer me, so I bit him" was the response.
We've never had fish again......
I am pretty soft so I too would have given in on the first letter! I love the idea of making her accomplish the mile in under twelve. You need something more challenging to use as incentive. That girl can get good grades without trying! What a sweet Persistant girl, let us know how this saga ends. BTW you and Heather are great parents Ashton tells us this often!
Tough crowd over there at the Reed house! Don't you parents know that fish will die within a week?
I love Aubrey!!! What a smarty pants. I'm sorta a tough one too. I really like to make them work for it. I think it builds character. Keep us posted on the whole thing. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you Aubrey!!
Maybe Aunt Liza should just buy the kid a fish (hamster, turtle, or bird) for Christmas.
Post a Comment