"It's just SO HARD"

...to have a brother, that is. Mason was having a really difficult time with his role as older brother yesterday. He didn't want to share with Ashton, play with Ashton, or have Ashton "copying" him. Most of all, he didn't want Ashton to steal any of Mimi's attention from him. I struggle with this issue also, and as much as I do believe consistency is important, I find myself divided on how I handle it. Half of the time I encourage Ashton to play with something different and let Mason have some alone time, and the other half I insist Mason share his toy/game/activity with Ashton. I can't decide which is the "fair" or best approach. As a middle child, I can clearly empathise with both sides. I remember how horribly annoying Jerome was, and how I wished he would just leave me alone so I could do what I wanted to do in peace. I also remember wistfully peeking in on Derk in the living room as he did his homework or talked on the phone and listened to music, wishing he would let me hang out with him.
After I made Mason stand in time out for the 5-year old version of cussing me out not-so-under his breath, he broke down and sobbed "I just wanted Mimi to myself!" Oh bud. I do understand, but if you think it's tough to share with one sibling, we're going to have a bumpy ride ahead of us.

The funny part is that after that the boys played beautifully together all evening. They practiced "flying" in Ashton's room, played knights and cooked imaginary meals together. Mason was sweet and wonderful to Ash, and made the comment at bedtime that it "wasn't so bad to have a brother, I guess". I think he was feeling bad about leaving Ash out.

Today Sean went and spoke to Mason's class, explaining about the nervous system and how it controls your body, and what foods are good for kids to eat. He showed the kids Mason's scan and then showed them an adjustment (on Mase). Sean got to sit with Mason during circle time, and made a lot of new buddies in the process. We completely forgot, of course, that today was picture day. We should have some interesting pictures this time around!