Brotherly Love?
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Family on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 11:30 AM
When I went into my sons’ bathroom this week to clean it, I was greeted by this note which I found perched between their two sinks.
Written in Adam’s most menacing handwriting, it warns his big brother to “STOP STEALING MY TOOTHBRUSH!!!” I love the “all caps” emphasis for added effect.
My first thought when I saw the note was, “Gross!” My second thought was of the lovely Danielle Bean, who manages the teeth of eight children (plus her own!) and blogged recently about the fact that her family’s toothbrushes are sanitized on a daily basis to eradicate creepy crawlies!
“Oh man, if anyone finds out about this I’m sure to get my invitation to Faith and Family Live revoked!” I thought to myself.
But these little episodes are too good to pass up. I called Adam and Eric into the bathroom and asked for an explanation. Eric copped to using his brother’s toothbrush, explaining that “Mine is downstairs, and I’m too busy to go get it!”
I’ll agree that my seventeen year old has been very busy lately, and has been working diligently. But I couldn’t keep a straight face when he seriously thought I was going to accept this excuse. First I sent him on the transcontinental journey to the downstairs bathroom to retrieve his own toothbrush. Then we discussed, once again, the importance of good oral hygiene and also the sanctity of “personal space” and respect for other members of the family. For those of you with little ones who are anxious to be through the diaper phase, just know that sometimes kids act like babies regardless of their chronological age!
Both boys were issued new, out of the box toothbrushes and a stern warning about “sharing” and “stealing”. No fistfights ensued, although a lot of germs were likely swapped in the process!
Danielle, I regret that in the area of toothbrush sanitization, I’m a failure!
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