CeeCee: Actually Verity has been packing her own lunch since she was about 7yo... makes her own sandwiches or noodles in a thermos. The only thing I have to do for her is wash her uniform... she polishes her own shoes etc. I've deliberately raised her to be as independant as possible and it helped when she was younger (when I was working with children) to learn from my colleagues exactly what chores children are capable at what age. We had 2 yo's wiping up spills and washing their own fruit plates for example. It's just my opinion but I think mothers generally do too much for their children. I think you are doing them a greater service in teaching them to be independant and supporting their efforts as they are learning to do their jobs... this takes a lot of patience but it ends up being a win/win situation... these days I know that I can stay in bed feeding Niall and that Verity is doing everything that she needs to do to get herself off to school. Usually all I see of her in the mornings is a flash as she gives me a kiss on her way out the door! She walks to school too. I'm very proud of her... lucky she is popular at school because her friends think it's very strange that she does so much (housework etc) and the other parents probably think I'm lazy or something but that's not something for me to worry about too much.

Wade didn't end up having a nap... guess he'll just have to go to bed earlier tonight. He's watching Sesame Street now... at least he's no being silly anymore.