When is the right time for kids to be responsible for their own stuff?
If I never have to clear up Cappers' 'craft table' again, it will be too soon. That table, that craft, that girl... they are impossible. Little bits of all the little bits that I foolishly purchased and gave to her. All those little bits of little.
Everything ends up on that table. Everything.
I threaten to sweep the whole lot into the bin if she doesn't keep it tidy and then wish I hadn't because I have to sweep the whole lot into the bin. Later I have to get it out of the bin. It then creeps back into her room like a child in the night. All snug and cosy and randomly scattered everywhere.
I see it creeping and a little part of me sighs loudly. Then I allow it because it allows her free access to the art and craft she adores. I love giving her free expression, but I don't want to have to clean it up. Why can't she clean it up herself?
When do you think that will happen?
When will I be free?