Me: What's wrong, Intrepid?
Intrepid: Gutsy's boasting about how the baby likes him best and how he's the best big brother, and that's not true! I get tired of hearing him boasting all the time.
(He won't say 'bragging' or 'showing off'. It's always 'boasting'.)
Me: Gutsy, what's going on?
Gutsy: Nothing. I just love baby Spawnling the best, that's all.
Intrepid looks sullen.
Me: Oh, Gutsy, are you sure about that?
Gutsy: Yep.
Me: I know you love Spawnling a lot, but Intrepid has been your brother for four years. I know you guys argue sometimes, but he does a lot for you. Who helps you when you get hurt and dad and I aren't around?
Gutsy: You do.
Me: ... When I'm not there and Daddy's not there.
Gutsy: You're always here.
Me: ... Sigh... I know, sweety, but before we come to see if you're ok.
Gutsy points to Intrepid.
Me: And who always makes you a snack when I'm busy with the baby?
Gutsy: Intrepid does.
Me: And who plays outside with you?
Gutsy: Intrepid.
Me: See? Your big brother does all sorts of things with you! And I know that babies are new and fun and cute, but there's a special kind of love between all brothers.
Gutsy: Yeah, but I still love the baby the most.
Intrepid looks like he's about to cry.
Me: Uh...Hey! Who wants donuts?
Donuts are the answer to all sticky parenting problems.
Intrepid: Gutsy's boasting about how the baby likes him best and how he's the best big brother, and that's not true! I get tired of hearing him boasting all the time.
(He won't say 'bragging' or 'showing off'. It's always 'boasting'.)
Me: Gutsy, what's going on?
Gutsy: Nothing. I just love baby Spawnling the best, that's all.
Intrepid looks sullen.
Me: Oh, Gutsy, are you sure about that?
Gutsy: Yep.
Me: I know you love Spawnling a lot, but Intrepid has been your brother for four years. I know you guys argue sometimes, but he does a lot for you. Who helps you when you get hurt and dad and I aren't around?
Gutsy: You do.
Me: ... When I'm not there and Daddy's not there.
Gutsy: You're always here.
Me: ... Sigh... I know, sweety, but before we come to see if you're ok.
Gutsy points to Intrepid.
Me: And who always makes you a snack when I'm busy with the baby?
Gutsy: Intrepid does.
Me: And who plays outside with you?
Gutsy: Intrepid.
Me: See? Your big brother does all sorts of things with you! And I know that babies are new and fun and cute, but there's a special kind of love between all brothers.
Gutsy: Yeah, but I still love the baby the most.
Intrepid looks like he's about to cry.
Me: Uh...Hey! Who wants donuts?
Donuts are the answer to all sticky parenting problems.