Conniving Kiddos

Not long ago my kids were introduced to the idea of toilet papering. I'm sure everyone that reads this knows about it, but in case you don't, you take toilet paper and "decorate" your neighbors trees and yard. When done in the spirit of fun and friendship this can be a fun part of adolescents. When done to get back at someone it can also be fun. ;) After hearing about this our kids quickly started scheming and plotting for their eventual late night capers. They listed our neighbors and had a yes and no side for which neighbors should be hit. It was humorous hearing them discuss who made the list and why.

I also got a kick out of their strategizing. Sarah and Steven devised a plan that would allow them maximum fun with minimal culpability. They would toilet paper our house along with others to deflect the blame. If our house was TP'd, then they wouldn't be suspects. (or so they thought) When Mike mentioned what happens to TP after it rains Steven decided they should do it before a storm a we had to gently remind them that the purpose is fun, and not revenge. We also had to make it perfectly clear that Mike and I couldn't participate, because although it's "fun" for kids, it's vandalizing for adults. :) Our kids aren't old enough for this yet, but they will certainly look forward to their tween years when they are. Hopefully our neighbors still like us afterwards. ;)