How Kids Can Manipulate You

  Whether you know it or not if you have kids they have somehow (maybe even unknowingly) manipulated you.  Look into my eyes.

Manipulate: 1. handle or control typically in a skillful manner.  2. control or influence cleverly, unfairly or unscrupulously.

  It starts out early when they are young, vulnerable and needy then works it's way to when you would think they were old enough to know better but for several reasons:

1. New mom
2. Outnumbered
3. Stressed out
4. Manipulated
 
  You are oblivious to the active manipulation.  It's not our fault they are sneaky.  They can't be capable of such acts. They love me.

  I am not a new mom.  Well not in the true sense.  I have 4 kids but each child is a separate child.  Each child capable of their own tactics.  Capable of manipulation.  This makes me a new mom every time as no tactic is ever repeated by any child or the same child.

  TV control.  If you turn it on the are mesmerized.  They stay content through the duration. Until... you get on the phone, need to do something or want to go somewhere without them.  You thought you had it figured out!

  Games on your phone.  All fun and games until they have called grandma, deleted your pictures or sent them to grandma, called what number or ordered a new app.  How does this happen?? Your 5 and know more of the capabilities of my phone then me.  Hey, show me how to do that!

Teeth brushing, hair brushing and "I went potty" tactics have been played multiple times too.  Some of these areas I'm sure should be mastered but how can I be sure.  Should I just risk it and let them go?  Walk away when someone is bellowing for me from the inside of the bathroom?  What's the worst that can happen?

  This list can go on forever.  One child alone could single handedly take down a grown adult.  I think the 4 of mine are circling me like vultures.  They are breaking me down.

  The other day my daughter went outside to play and Sophia the First was on tv.  I asked her if she was done with the tv.  I asked her?  She has been manipulating me (unknowingly).  I may be trained.  Excuse me, ma'am can I change the channel.

  I hope it's not too late.  I wonder if they mess with me when I sleep too?  Repeating their wants and wishes while I sleep.  I need to be more proactive and on high alert.  The kids are probably plotting right now!  No, they are not; they need me don't they?

#nablopomo