Snapshot of Sibling Behavior
Today I got to witness a typical sibling moment. The kids and I were going to pick up Robert from work. Hannah respiratory wise is doing well this past week so I buckled them in. We drive a Mini van so I usually have Gabriel in the middle and put Hannah’s wheelchair next to him while the Hannah and her caregiver sit in the third row. Today, I put Gabriel’s seat next to Hannah’s.
I start the car running for the two-block drive. Gabriel starts rubbing his hand in Hannah’s hair. She laughs. When we stop at a stoplight. Gabriel keeps doing it and screaming something silly. Hannah decides she has had enough. She shakes her head in the no direction.
"She’s saying No, Gabriel"
He keeps chattering and touching her. She shakes her head and does a sweep away gesture with her hands.
He is still not getting the point. I wait a few beats to see if he gets it. No, he is a complete bull in a china shop. I admire her sudden dexterity and stifle a laugh at this typical sibling behavior. "Gabriel, stop it now. No means no." I stare at him through the rearview mirror. He looks down then goes to do it again but stops when he sees me looking.
"Mommy, stop watching!"
--Mom
