In an economic sense this might mean living within one’s means or to a supply and demand chain in commerce. But this is about bending your will by any toddler.
Toddlers need an adult’s support to learn rudimentary things such as sitting, standing and of course in taking the initial steps. When it comes to getting what they want, how do they know exactly what to do, how and when?
Like default factory settings, a child must be coming into being with advanced Apps and skills to help in getting things done in its own way. The advanced Apps created not only work with the child's own operating system but can “bug” and update the o/s of parents or grandparents. The uniqueness of a child's Apps is the language.
By clever manipulation of affection using a smile, cry or gestures, antics, pranks and tantrums in intoxicating proportions, the child attempts to seal a deal. In this commerce the child’s demand creates supply and this supply produces further demand. The trade embargo imposed by well meaning parents, out of concern for the child’s structured upbringing, are violated at will by the equally well meaning grandparents.
The bargaining power of the child increases manifolds if fortunate to have great grandparents. The child knows how to play the game – by odds two to one.
The child effortlessly divides a task into discrete steps, learning from mistakes before attempting the next decisive step. The child strategically employs the emotional resources available on hand to create a demand. The intense focus with which the task is carried out is a lesson in itself, for the grownups in the family.
Whether the mother - to - be expected the child very eagerly or not, the business empires did so with stocked salable commodities. The toddler surprises you with this knowledge about the business potential represented by each child born. The child never lets go and does not bother about getting an immediate result.
Here is how the child keeps the arc lights on - by knocking at the door of the weak willed parent, grandparent or even the great grandparent by throwing up antics or pranks to apply pressure to get the demand attended.
When a smile or a snuggle does not produce the desired result, the child intuitively plays a trump card – a tantrum. Ignores a favourite toy or food and instead plays with a piece of cloth, a spoon or even a visiting card. The harried adult gives in, after trying out all tricks to pacify the morose kid.
Here waits another valuable lesson – if you have the imagination, you can do wonders. What a way to demonstrate that perseverance pays even in short term.
The child diplomatically sides with parents, grandparents or great grandparents for that specific purpose. This “pitting” diplomacy helps the child to meet both the ends – wanting to get and getting it!
When the wish list is even partially fulfilled, nothing is held back.It is the payback time - The joy of accomplishment experienced by the child is expressed at that very instant itself, with hugs, kisses and crooning!
In commerce, something is exchanged for some other thing and going by the same logic what benefit both the parties get?
The child has the knack to thaw out even a frozen heart by simply whittling down inhibitions of an adult with invitations to play as equals. All the while the child is secure in the knowledge that the adult will give in, though grudgingly, to make both of them to feel happiness in togetherness.
A knowing smile and body language suggesting it is OK to relax for now is a great stress buster. There is no need to consult a couch doctor – the therapy is administered just like that. Only a child in all its innocence can do it.
Sometimes a child takes the mantle of a guru and seemingly without appearing to be so gives valuable insight into life,as a free tutorial. Those who wait for enlightenment can attain instant nirvana in the time interval it takes to blink one's eyes. Now it is the grownups’ turn to croon.
Marvelous feat in “engineering” of emotions, don’t you agree?
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