managing expectations

"ah daddy?"

"ya buddy, what's up?"

"you have a second?"

"sure, sounds serious? and may I say you're speaking very goodly this afternoon."

"thanks, that second birthday I had last weekend made all the difference, and ya this is serious."

"ok, shoot."

"I just want to let you know that I won't be finishing potty training until my six birthday."

"ah, ok, have we even started your potty training?"

"not really but mom keeps saying things like 'are you going poo?' and 'do you want to use the potty?' to me when I try to hide in the corner and fill my diaper in privacy."

"should we give it more of a chance before you claim your six birthday as the cutoff? I have to say the idea of changing your poopy pants for four more years isn't making this day any better."

"well that's why we're talking about it."

"but aren't most kids out of diapers by three? I think you can do better than six."

"ok fine. I can't keep this up. look, I'm only trying to manage your expectations."

"what?"

"you know, underpromise overdeliver."

"oh cripes, have you been watching Oprah and Dr. Phil with mom again?"

"maybe."

"well back in the real world managing expectations used to be called setting your sites low."

"hold that thought, I need to find a corner."