I need a hug?

We are currently attempting to train Snow White to be able to do things on her own. Things like wash her hair, color, get dressed etc. Things normal 5-year-olds do. She does so well with our undivided attention, but I also want her to be able to play alone for a couple of minutes at a time and be meeting all of the her developmental goals.


So last night it was bath time, and we have been working with her on hygiene and how to clean yourself etc. She is very good at it but constantly calls for us to come in a talk with her while she bathes. Sometimes I am more than happy to share her bath time, but last night was a whirlwind laundry, dogs, making lunches etc. She called and called and finally I walked in there. She began by telling me a nonsense story (grinning the whole time in triumph) when I interrupted and asked

"What do you need?"
"Need?"
"Yes you must need something since you called me in here so many times."
(grinning mischievously) "I need a hug?"


First of all.... that is my smart girl.


Second of all: my annoyance evaporated immediately. How many times has she needed a hug and no one was there? How many times did she simply want to spend time with someone and no one cared? How many more times will I get to hug this precious, manipulative little devil?

This answer is too many times and not enough.

So she got her hug, and I got my clothes wet. The laundry did get done and the lunch got made...... and I went to bed without needing anything.