I like to assume they know something I don't, but stranger things have happened.

Mainstream articles about scientific studies are too often wack.

Paging Trudy:

Yesterday I wore my Hello Kitty necklace (which is just redonkulously cute) and hung out with a 5-year-old girl. At one point, she said, "I LOVE YOU HELLO KITTY!" and kissed my necklace like 5 times! Just thought you'd like to know that the younger generations are carrying on the HK love.

Babies cry and/or whine when they are unhappy, because they don't have the words to explain their unhappiness and ask for what they want. They can be unhappy because they're in pain, hungry, not feeling well, wet, poopy, tired, hot, cold, lonely, or just having a bad day. Their cries differ. Most parents know the difference between their cries after a while. I don't think it's intentional deception so much as using communication that's proven effective.

On the other hand, there were lots of times my kids were doing the bored or lonely cry that I responded with, "Oh, you big faker." But I went to them anyhow, because they were mine, and cute, and smart enough to let me know they were pissed off, and because I wanted the noise to stop.

Totally new topic. I've missed the last 1812 posts in Boxed Set. I've just watched Supernatural season 1. I want to catch up with Boxed set, and can usually avoid spoiler in plain sight if I set my mind to it. I'm just wondering -- what has everyone been talking about. If it's mostly season 2 Supernatural and Dr. Who, I'll just skip to the end.

I'd have to read the study (because ita is so right about the wack), but my first reaction is that it isn't deceptive behavior per se when kids pretend to cry or to cough or whatever to get a parental reaction. It's discovering how things work. Even when young toddlers actually LIE to you, they aren't really lying most of the time (by which I mean they aren't trying to deliberately deceive you), most of the time they are playing.

Sure, maybe those behaviors later map out into actions like lying, but they also map out into things like learning how to comfort, how to reach out for love and affection, how to recognize truthful vs deceptive behaviors in others, etc. Even more basic than that: they are still in the realm of learning how to (and how much to) trust their caregivers.

I just went in for a second at the very end and was spoiled for a little thing in the 4400 and a teeny bit of Doctor Who season 3. So, back out again, but I'm not good at not seeing things I don't want to see.

On the other hand, there were lots of times my kids were doing the bored or lonely cry that I responded with, "Oh, you big faker." But I went to them anyhow, because they were mine, and cute, and smart enough to let me know they were pissed off, and because I wanted the noise to stop.

Which is EXACTLY what I meant about learning that they can place their trust in the their caregivers.

Daisy, I wanted to say how much I loved the letters you shared earlier. It's a fascinating glimpse into life in an earlier time, and what a wonderful heritage for you and your family to have. The description of the funeral was wonderful, too. I'm very sorry for your family's loss, but I'm grateful for the mutual support and obvious love you all have and give to each other.

Aww. Thank you. It was an exciting find and I'm glad to have it (though I'm going to scan it and take it back down to the lake for someone else to find.

I wish I had advice or support for the ADHD folk, but I don't have any experience in that area and don't feel comfortable speaking to it.

The cherub was every bit of his 2 this past weekend from everything being "NONONONONONONONONONONONONO!" to pouring his bottles of water everywhere, freaking out about the 'bah' and screaming fits. There were also cute moments too, like when he climed up on the couch with Max, put his arms around her and said "Maa!"

He was also confirming things when we said them like "Beau, put that down!" "Down! Yes!" still hanging onto it.

Ah. Favorite story. K turned around and Beau was naked, playing in the dog bowl. She said, "What are you doing, and where are your clothes! WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES?!?" So he comes over and takes her hand and walks her over to where he's stripped and points at his clothes laying on the floor.

t /Beau likes carrots

t except that he doesn't

t except that he's two so that's probably changed in the last 24 hours

Heh. I have totally called Matilda a big old faker, often while cuddling her and kissing her cheeks. I am the queen of mixed messages! Also, crying is the one weapon they've got in their arsenal of communication, and it has to cover EVERYTHING. I'm not going to fault my child for crying when she's not actually wet or hungry, just having a shitty day. Lord knows I have enough unspecifically shitty days when I'd like to flump on my ass and scream until someone came along and cuddled me until I felt better.

ION, Sparky, have you already seen the gethuman.com website? Here's their listing for dodging perpetual hold at USPS: 800‑275‑8777, Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.

They also give the USPS an F for phonely customer service. Bleah.

Ah. Favorite story. K turned around and Beau was naked, playing in the dog bowl. She said, "What are you doing, and where are your clothes! WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES?!?" So he comes over and takes her hand and walks her over to where he's stripped and points at his clothes laying on the floor.

So been there. So. Many. Times.