I Can't Hear Your Rules

Recently we had to have a family meeting because Jacob won't stay in his bed. Or his room. And when he comes out, he either plays (loudly) in the playroom or goes into Hannah's room. Hannah, for the record, is usually genuinely trying to sleep and does not appreciate these little friendly visits. After our meeting, Jacob confirmed that he understood he was to stay in his room and in his bed. The very next night we saw some improvement. He still came out of bed, but he did not go into Hannah's room. A work in progress...

Tonight, after swimming, and with both kids yawning, I was reasonably confident that bedtime would be a breeze. Jacob, of course, had to come out of bed within five minutes for his "I need to go the bathroom" routine. Then he had to come out again for his "I need to go pooh this time" schtick. Then, when I could clearly hear him in the playroom, he ran back to his bed and denied being out of it. The next time I heard the pitter-patter of his tiny feet, I went upstairs to find him opening Hannah's door to deliver a toy. Please note: I saw it happen. And here is what followed:

Me: Jacob, we've talked about how you need to stay in bed and how you are NOT to go into Hannah's room.

Jacob: I didn't.

Me: Please don't lie. You opened Hannah's door, didn't you?

Jacob: (wide-eyed with innocence) No, I didn't.

Me: (a tad exasperated) I saw you do it. You opened her door and put a toy inside. She is SLEEPING! Why can't you just stay in bed? You should have been asleep a long time ago! Why do you keep coming out when you know you are not supposed to?

Jacob: (in a very sad, quiet voice) I can't hear.

Me: You can't hear what?

Jacob: Your rules. (Looking truly dismayed.)

Me: You can't hear my rules!?!?!?!?

Jacob: (shaking his head sadly) Nope.

Another point for the three year-old...