Let’s Make a Deal

photo © 2009 D. Sharon Pruitt | more info (via: Wylio)
A great deal of familial conflict arises when one of the kids makes a deal with his or her sibling and does not keep his or her end of the deal. For example, if you play dress-up with me this morning, I’ll play Wii with you later. Except that later never comes. More often than not, the lack of follow-through is due not to any preconceived knavery but an end of interest in promised activity.

So we have had to implement a “no-deal” policy.

Yesterday, Poppyseed informed me that she had made a deal with one of the girls in her class.

Mama, I’ve made a deal with Avalon. I told her that she can play with Tessa and me if she promises to keep playing with Tessa after we move.

Tessa is Poppyseed’s “BFF.” That’s shorthand for “best friend forever.” They are fiercely loyal and, much to my dismay, rarely permit others into their realm. I had two friends like that in elementary school. I was sometimes given peek into their world, but it often felt like a provisional membership.

But what amazes me is that Poppyseed is so concerned that Tessa will be bereft after our move that she has arranged for Tessa to have a companion to fill the void.

A acceptable exception to the policy, wouldn’t you agree?