He: Mummy?
Me: Yes, my love.
He: Can I have a key?
Me: A key? A key to what?!
He: Like, for the house.
Me: Don’t say “like” so much. You want a house key?
He: *nods* Yes, please.
Me: *incredulously* Oliver, why do you want a key for the house? I’m always here!
He: Yeah, but… you know… what if you’re not here?
Me: If I’m not here? Then I’m out there. With YOU! I don’t think you need a key yet, Boo.
He: *sighs*
Me: It’s not a sign of being grown-up. Having a key, I mean. It’s just… having a key to unlock the door if no one is home. But, I’m always home. Or, we’re together. You know?
He: *nods glumly*
Me: Here… have a cookie. *sly grin*
He: Mum?
Me: Yes, my love.
He: Can we get a dog?
Me: *glances sideways* Is this where we are now? Already?!
He: *giggles*
Me: C’mon, man…
He: *laughs hard* But… I… please. Can we get one? I want one.
Me: *shakes head* I know you do, but listen to me carefully. We are NOT getting a DOG. Not next week. Not next year. We are Not. Getting. A. Dog. Okay?
He: Well, can I have a key instead then?
Aaaaand, scene.
I tell you, this little negotiator is relentless, but I will be firm. Especially about the dog. (We’ll see about the key.)
so smart….
Haha! He is so funny. And I agree…NO. DOG.
Having a house key (and using it) is a pretty big responsibility. You’ll know when he’s ready for a real key, but in the meantime you can get a key blank at Rona and let him have that if he just won’t let it go. My youngest had one once that had Nemo on it – the guy at Home Depot gave it to her when I had her there with me shopping. I guess he thought she would like it (she was about 3). It was a big favourite for a while, that key!
I think ten is the magic age too, Jen – especially if he has opportunity to use it! We’ll see… (And absolutely NO DOG!)
I gave my (very responsible) son a house key on a keychain for his tenth birthday. It was easily the gift that has meant the most to him EVER (and also easily the least expensive gift he’s ever received). But I think for him it was a sign of being grown up, because not only did he have the key, but on occasion he had to use it.