I went to an all girls school and was taught that men and women are equal.  Then I had kids.

Men and women are so NOT the same.

My daughter was a needy child.  She always wanted me involved in everything.  In her play, in her potty training, in her eating.

Yet, my son, is ready and willing to do all things by himself. 

As good as that sounds though, I gotta tell you, it's not so great!

He tries to pour himself drinks and ends up dumping most of it on the table.  When he pours out cereal, it ends up all over the table and floor.  When he goes potty by himself (which is great, I know), it ends up, well, you know, everywhere!

I am so excited that he's willing to do so many things on his own.  But I am so not excited when I have to clean up after him, time and time again.

I have tried making him clean it up too and he willingly does, but it does not serve as a deterrent.

So, I've decided to make some boundaries.  He may pour himself cereal and go potty on his own (*gulp*), but he absolutely may not pour himself any liquids without asking for help.

So, today he's in the kitchen.  He's already pulled out the half empty orange juice container.  Half empty because he already emptied most of it earlier.  Suddenly, he remember the rule, so from the kitchen he yells,

"Mamma, I need some orange juice!!"  "Please..." 

I guess you had to be there, but it was funny.

I walked into the kitchen with a smile on my face.  There he stood with his plastic glass on the table, waiting to be served his OJ.

I hope this rule sticks.  Orange juice is no picnic to clean up.