• N.Lo loves (needs?) to mimic K.Lo in everything, which can be very cute, conducive to learning language, skills, etc. It also, sometimes, doesn’t make a bit of sense and can increase frustration all around, particularly when the action has nothing to do with N.Lo whatsoever. For instance, the other morning, K.Lo chose to throw a colossal tantrum re: a Snow White doll that was confiscated the day prior. The doll would only be returned to her if she went the entire day without a potty accident (TBD). She ranted and raved about the doll coming down from the shelf, etc. etc. etc., and N.Lo eventually chimed in. Simply stressed about the level his coworker was taking the conflict, N.Lo burst into tears and screamed, “Down! I want it down!” too. At this point, my entire head of hair turned gray and fell out in a big pile at my feet. I am now bald. Really.
• It works the other way as well. Being 2, N.Lo has occasionally tried his hand at whacking Management when he does not get his way. Firmly told that he cannot hit and must apologize, N.lo screams, writhes, plays a victim of torture at the very prospect of saying the Dreaded Word. (Sorry.) The Lo.Co. maintains a strict policy regarding this word and hitting, and under no circumstances do we allow violators to walk away. So after N.Lo has carried on for several minutes, K.Lo finally bursts into tears herself, out of sympathy, or as a response to stress, or maybe both, and defends her little brother. “He wants DADDY!” or whatever it is. Sigh.
• It’s no secret that the Lo.Co. is not a TV-free household. We like TV. The children are allowed to watch PBS/Nick Jr./Disney Channel, and we have a great selection of movies. It’s popular culture, and our company policy will not shelter the employees from it. However, TV is allowed regularly if and only if the employees continue to work while training videos play in the background. Should they become comatose little couch lumps, company policy will change. And I’m afraid it’s going to change, let’s just say: effective immediately. K.Lo will be allowed one movie, during N.Lo’s Afternoon Break. Period. The rest of the time, we might play music, or nothing. For awhile, anyway. A recent assessment of our overall viewing habits suggested that a little detox is in order.
• K.Lo continues to have accidents at home. Mainly, she does not wish to tear herself away from whatever activity she is engaged in to use the Employee Rest Room. It is ridiculous and frustrating and a lot of other words I do not use in this space. She does not have accidents outside the office, whether we are out on an errand or other company excursion, or if she is at the Outsourcer. At preschool, she does have a lot of help, and it is likely worked into the daily routine there. However, I feel that at 3 1/2, having demonstrated her proficiency time and time again, she should be able to handle a lot of it on her own in the office. It’s simply a bad work habit, and Management is working to break it. She loses a toy (a meaningful one) for every accident, and does not get said toy back until she goes the entire (next) day with no accidents. Therapy fodder for sure, but rest assured there is plenty of positive reinforcement in there as well. Another big sigh.
• Lastly, I have a question for our readers, possibly rhetorical. Regarding clean-up habits, i.e. picking up office supplies at the end of the work day, how much should Management push the issue? I feel kids are born with a certain inclination toward clean-up, with some being naturally neater than others, or simply more interested in the task of clean-up. N.Lo is, K.Lo is not. She simply never has been. She does help with cleanup, but it is frankly like pulling teeth, and some nights, I let it go. Whereas, N.Lo has always been inclined to help put things away. To me, the habit simply is what it is, neither good or bad; they are just wired that way. However, does that give K.Lo a free pass? I want her to learn how to be helpful and neat, as well as follow the rules. I know she must help out at preschool. At the end of a long work day, sometimes I am just not sure how hard to push the issue. Please advise in comments.

Apologies for the grouch level in this post. It’s a culmination of certain, chronic frustrations in the workplace. Otherwise, obviously, I adore both my employees and my work.