TheMonk has taken it upon himself to be Swee’Pea’s comforter when things are not going her way. As you may be aware, Swee’Pea has been known to throw a tantrum. Up until recently, it was up to Mommy or Daddy to comfort Swee’Pea whenever she started to lose her grip on reality. But now, TheMonk has taken on that role.

How he goes about it varies. He can be sensitive or assertive, depending on the situation.

For example, early yesterday morning as I finished changing both Swee’Pea & TheMonk out of their PJ’s we headed down the hall from their bedroom. For whatever reason (or no reason at all, as the case may be) Swee’Pea collapsed to the ground and began to cry. TheMonk, seeing his sister on the ground in tears, ran back to her, placed his hand on her head and said, “Okay, Okay, Okay, Swee’Pea.”

He began to pat her head softly and reached down to kiss her on the top of her head. “Okay, Okay, Okay, Swee’Pea.” he repeated.

Before long, Swee’Pea stopped crying and we were able to proceed downstairs to breakfast.

This afternoon, Swee’Pea and TheMonk were playing in the back yard. At times they would run inside where I was sitting, engage with me for a minute or so and then run outside where Mommy was to continue playing. At one point, Swee’Pea came inside and it became clear that she wanted to take a blanket on our couch outside. “No, Swee’Pea. I’m sorry but you can’t take that blanket outside.”

It was getting towards bedtime and Swee’Pea was not in the mood to hear me say no. She began to cry.

At about this time, TheMonk sauntered in to witness his sister begin another meltdown. This time, he decided to be a little more assertive. Rushing up to Swee’Pea as she began to cry he says to her in a stern voice, “No, Swee’Pea! Outside. Let’s go outside!” And he grabs her arm and begins to lead her to the door.

At first, Swee’Pea is taken aback and kinda goes along with it because she doesn’t know what else to do. Halfway there, however, she realizes she’s supposed to be upset and begins to protest and stops in her tracks.

TheMonk is having none of this. “No, Swee’Pea. OUTSIDE!” he says.

And he gently pushes her towards the door.

Soon, they are both outside and moments later I hear both of them laughing as dusk descends upon two toddlers. Tantrums forgotten amongst some brotherly love.