The Opinions of Children (and Adults)

Nathan, my 2 year old son, recently started saying, "I don't like it" when he either (a) has decided he doesn't want something despite having begged for it or (2) honestly doesn't like it. It's hard to tell sometimes.

What strikes me the most is his ability to just say it--regardless of whether its that he doesn't like peas or abhors tickling today. Either way, he's going to let me know. Now. If not sooner.

I myself am...direct. Perhaps too direct at times. In my old(er) age I've toned it down and living in Los Angeles (the land of never saying exactly what you mean so that everyone can wonder what the "ef" you're really talking about) has taken the edge off my drive to consistently point out what I think.

Which leads me to today. I was speaking with opposing counsel regarding the status of the settlement release that was provided to him 5 weeks ago. He was, again, requesting, as a "professional courtesy", an additional two weeks to review the release and make proposed changes--if that was "ok" with me. I was about to agree when I thought of my son and his adamant "I don't like it" response. So that's what I said. I was met with silence. So, like my 2 year old son, I repeated myself--just in case my brilliant opposing counsel missed it the first time. I added an explanation and hung up. An hour later I received a copy of the release back with comments.

I'm not really advocating for people to revert to acting like 2 year olds--it would make for a messier existence for sure--its more advocating for clarity. For me, thanks to Nathan, being clear, and getting things done, just got easier.