More on the Aggressive Hand

Ok, so when JVL says I criminalized it, it sounds pretty harsh. But I think it's warranted. Because you can't go through life essentially telling people to "talk to the hand" when you don't like what they have to say. Or even the fact of them. Especially people who are smaller than you--so it's really just a derivative of our cardinal rules: Always use your manners. And always protect people who are smaller than you. (Especially when those people are your siblings.) If some kid came up to one of my kids on the playground and put a hand in their faces like that, I'd be tempted to smack him. And I'd wonder what kind of parent didn't immediately address that behavior.

I admit it's possible I'm a crazy control freak, but my point is, it's rude. And, it's aggressive. And both those things are, as Cody will tell you ruefully, "unacceptable." Naturally, Cody doesn't like it when he gets busted for this particular gesture. I have one thing to add: In keeping with his pattern of transferring his transgressions to his furry friends ("I did not hit Cordelia! Patches hit Cordelia!"), mere moments after said action was banned, Cody ran up to Cordelia and smushed Patches into her cheek. (Cordelia giggled and tried to grab him.) I asked CJP what that was about and he said, "Oh Mommy. Patches just gave my sister the Aggressive Paw! That is against the law!"

Then Patches went to Puppy Time Out. Cody had a delighted grin and a twinkle in his eye. Patches looked forlorn and put-upon.

This parenting stuff is bizarre sometimes.