Words, words, words

Me - can you all please be quiet for just a little bit?

Isla - yes I'll be quiet. I need to be quiet because you have a headache. Your head ... 

Me - Isla, quiet means quiet. 

Isla - hurts and when you head hurts you don't want loud ...

Me - Isla 

Isla - noises. So I'll be quiet. Nash and Harry aren't quiet. 

Nash and Harry - ...

Me - quiet means not using words. 

Isla - exactly. No words. I'll stop using words. 

Me - words. 

Isla - and I love you so that's why imma stop. 

Me - words. 

Isla - I'm being so quiet (whispering)

Me - Isla you are still using words!

Isla - can I get special since I'm being quiet?

Parenting is hard. And funny.

Me - Nash, what are baby cows called?

Isla - A calf!

Me - Right! But it's not your turn, I asked Nash. 

muffled arguing and Harry yelling "cow!"

Me - Nash. What are baby chickens called?

Isla - Chicks!

Nash - Isla! It's my turn!

Isla - Just say it then. 

Nash - It's not the same and you know it!

Me - Everyone stop fighting. Let me tell you a story. 

tells story about when I took a test and was so worried about being the best, I took the wrong test and failed.

Nash - Mommy, is that true?

Me - It sure is. So you see, being right isn't enough. You also have to be thoughtful, and kind, and respectful. 

Nash - Yeah!

Isla - Nash! She's just trying to tell me to shut up! It's not even a real story. 

Nash - Oooo, that's a bad word! Be quiet!

Isla - (whispering) She's telling me to shut up. But I can't. Because I'm right. 

Me - Isla. I think you missed the moral of the story. 

Isla - But I have so many words to say!  Why do other people get to talk anyway?

Why indeed daughter. Why indeed.