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Sam and I are both what you might call strong willed. George would say "obstinate," but I like to think of it more as being determined. Goal oriented. And it's a trait that's served me well up to now.

But, for the first time, I think I might be outmatched.

"Sam, get your feet off the table," I say for the 2000th time.

Sam complies, taking his foot off the table . . . and, in its place, leaves a single toe perched on the edge.

"Your whole foot, toes included," I say sternly.

Sam looks nonplussed, but complies. I return to my dinner, until I hear him giggle. When I look up, I see the little monkey has his other foot up on the table.

Tired of going through this meal after meal, I finally decide to give up.

"Fine," I say, when Sam slings a fat little foot up on the table. "Put both feet up there, see if I care."

This does not please Sam.

"Nooooo," he says, gazing at me and then staring pointedly at his feet. "Noooooo." He shakes his head from side to side, and throws his hands out in front of him for emphasis.

I shrug. "It's all good," I say.

Sam pulls his feet down, and purses his lips together. After mulling it over, he picks his turkey burger up off his purple hippo plate, and -- to Lexi's delight -- flings it down on the ground.

"No," I shriek. "No, no, NO, we do NOT throw our food on the ground."

Sam rewards me with a wide grin, and sticks both feet back up on the table.

Yikes.

And here's a parenting tip from me to you: If you want your child to take you seriously, resist the temptation to say, "nooooo," in a Tellytubby voice. Trust me on this one, I know what I'm talking about.

Posted 01 May 2005 at 04:19 PM