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Syrup Spreader
Monday, December 27, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
I try to be consistent and fair. Realistic. But...there are times when we all need a little *magic.* This is especially true if you live with a toddler.
Sunday mornings are the best. A little less rushed than the weekday, it's usually the day for pancakes. I've gotten pretty good at making these, even finding creative ways to make them a bit more nutritious (substitute no sugar applesauce for vegetable oil, add smashed bananas or small bits of apple, etc). I then top them off with a variety of fruits, sometimes nuts, creating a silly face where just a pancake once lay. All of this yields one thing, a good breakfast for the kiddo.
It's all good till the syrup is in sight. Syrup. Warm, sugary, syrup. Who wouldn't want to saturate their food in such sugary goodness?! The battle begins.
The battle? It's the *discussion* of how much and where syrup can and should be placed. It's the negotiation of who is going to squeeze the bottle and for how long.
Last Sunday morning, the syrup had been squeezed. Just when I thought all was done, the kiddo noted that there were pancake bits that had not been drenched.
"All done," my hubby chimed.
The *siren* began to wail.
"All done," my sweetie repeated.
The negotiation began.
Then I remembered.
"The syrup spreader!" The what? Why yes, what the kiddo needed is the syrup spreader.
My statement caught everyone's attention. Most importantly that of the little one.
I opened up the drawer and found a fancy butter knife. It was new and exciting and, most importantly, the kiddo was excited to use this new tool.
"The syrup spreader!" she shouted.
She then used it. Awkwardly, she smeared the syrup. She was content. Thrilled. And, the battle was over.
The hubby looked at me as if I was a genius.
I smirked. I had recently been reminded that a little magic in our lives can often create a positive resolution for all.
Got your syrup spreader? If you have a toddler, you might need one...and pick-up a can of magic spray while you're at it; it also can work wonders.
