Carter's needs are technically simple, but sometimes, they just cannot be met. Sometimes it is just not feasible to let him wash the dishes NOW! and sometimes I just don't have any candy. Sometimes, there has already been too much sugar granted in one day and little children just have to get over the fact that there will be no more until tomorrow. Sometimes, I can't stand up and go with him to wherever he desires (there are some moments in the bathroom that are non-negotiable).

The needs may be simple, but when not met--holy moly look out. The crying and the whining would make even the most stoic dentist toss a bag of marshmallows at him. It takes nerves of steel to deal with it. And then, if reprimanded, he crumples his lip, whimpers, and points to his throat as if to say "but mom, i am SICK. i have a SORE THROAT." -- he as totally learned to capitalize on my sympathy. of course, i have no way of verifying if his throat is sore, but it is interesting that it is only sore when I tell him no. Or, in some more less-enlightened moments, when I snap "Carter! STOP WHINING!"

I am looking forward to the end of the toddler tantrums and the start of the preschooler defiance with great anticipation.