enigma

Kids are such an enigma to me.

I'll say to Thom, "Hey come eat this homemade dinner I spent the afternoon making for you."

And he says, "No."

I'll say, "Thom, are you ready to crawl into your bed. I just washed the sheets today and they smell great."

He says, "No."

I say, "Okay it's time to be calm. Come here and I'll tickle your back and play with your hair while you watch your favorite T.V. show."

He pulls a face and runs away.

I say, "Come upstairs! I have a nice warm bubble bath waiting for you!"

He says "Not now Mom."

What is wrong with this child? He rejects everything wonderful in life. Well, he doesn't turn down sweets. We have that in common. But really, why do we adults have to force our kids to do the things we personally love to do?

Over the years we have created little enticements. We turn pancakes into happy faces with blueberry eyes and banana smiles. We tell bedtime stories again and again until the words come automatically. We coerce and manipulate and bargain until we get our kids to do the very thing that we ourselves are dying to do. It has been this way for ages. I can't see it changing anytime soon.

Here's a perfectly wonderful little enticement to get your kids in the bath.

Catherine of Washable Art has been creating soap in her kitchen for some years now. This is what she says about her work:

My love of geometrical symmetry, natural asymmetry, color, and edible, delicious things is demonstrated in soap, and you'll find extreme care in the details. Many, if not most of the plant materials I use are grown locally, organically, and sustainably; you'll find natural pigments and dyes, fair-trade ingredients (when they can't be had out of my own garden), and recycled material packaging whenever practical. I love what I do, I know you will, too, and I look forward to sending something wonderful to you!

I highly recommend stopping by Catherine's shop. Her soaps make really great stocking stuffers and they are all reasonably priced. Her shipping costs are very low for both domestic and international.

Catherine has donated a set of her Bathtub Architect soaps for today's giveaway. She sent along an extra set for the boy and I can't wait to put them in his Christmas stocking!

If you would like to enter the drawing, just leave a comment! International readers are always welcome to enter a Suaviloquy giveaway.