We tell our kids they can be anything. I’ve emphasized that they can be multiple things. But there are limitations. There are things they will never ever be no matter what and RB isn’t hearing it.

RB tells me,

“When I grow up, I’m going to be a big sister.”

“You ARE getting bigger everyday!”

Do I need to crush all her hopes and dreams right now? I’m just trying to get through the day over here.

She’s not oblivious to my evasive response. She doubles down,

“I’m going to be a big sister like BB. OK?”

BB tells me,

“First I’m going to be an olympic swimmer, then a prima ballerina, then an astrophysicist.”

Noted and I don’t feel the need to say anything. Meanwhile with RB, I’m tempted to tell her that no matter what she does, how hard she tries, how well she does in school that she will forever be a little sister. RB adds,

“When I’m the big sister, then I’ll have more toys than BB.”

Ahhh. We’ve hit the crux of it. A fight for resources.

There’s plenty of food, plenty of candy, an overabundance of everything. BUT ARE THE TOYS EQUAL???

BB tells me,

“Dad said when I’m a teenager I can change my room around. I’m going to need more space.”

Sensing an opportunity, I ask,

“Do you want to move the LOL doll house to RB’s room?”

“Yes!”

Within hours the LOL doll house joined Barbie’s dream house in RB’s room. I wasn’t waiting for BB to change her mind.

RB came home from school and her squeals of delight made me hopeful she’d forget her big sister career plan. RB informs me,

“I”m big enough now for the LOL house!”

“You are!”

“I’m getting to be a big sister.”