my little caretaker

the kid: mommy, I'm sorry you're sick.
me: yeah. me, too. thank you.
the kid: don't worry. I'm here, and I'll take good care of you.
me: thank you, sweetie. you're such a good kid.
the kid: I know. it's because you're such a good mommy and I love you.

be a bucket filler

the kid: mommy, you're a great bucket filler.
me: um, thanks.
the kid: when you do something kind, you fill someone's bucket. we should always try to be a bucket filler and not a bucket dipper.
me: oh? did someone talk to you today about being a bucket filler?
the kid: it's a book. Ms. S (school counselor) read it to us. a bucket dipper is a bully. so it's not nice to be a bucket dipper. I'm going to try to fill as many buckets as I can because that would be awesome!
me: I know you'll do a great job. you are an awesome bucket filler.
the kid: awwwww. thanks, mommy. you just filled my bucket.

accountability

the kid had asked for a list of chores he could do each week to start earning some money, and the hubby and I told him we'd think it over. after sharing with him our expectations and what his weekly earnings would be...

the kid: wow! that's a lot of money!
me: yes, and that means you have a lot of responsibility now, too.
the kid: yeah, I know. I can handle it. 
me: and we can write out your list of chores and we can all sign it. that will be our contract.
the kid: and we have to include how much money I get paid, too.
me: you're right. we'll include that, too.
the kid: where will we post it?
me: we don't necessarily have to post it. we can put it in a safe place where we can refer to it if we need to.
the kid: no, mommy. we need to post it. so I can hold you accountable.

are we sure this kid's only six?!