A long time ago, before I had two kids, I read the following advice about prioritizing children's issues: if both children are crying, take care of the older one first because they remember more. I thought that was good advice, until I put it into practice, and realized Secundus was getting the shaft. So then I started trying to balance more.
Two days ago I read some different advice: when there are multiple issues, take care of the more pressing need first. Of course. Now that is good advice.
I got to put it into practice today. I was feeding Secundus. Primus looks at me at says "have to go potty?" "Then GO" I reply. (She can often do it by herself.) Then I hear the tell-tale sounds of her actually going on the bathmat.
In my mind I wonder: what is more important? cleaning up the potty mess, or feeding the starving child? Feeding is now, the mess will still be there. As I'm determining which is the greater need I hear a small voice, "I made footprints!"
Oh, the look of betrayal on my second-born as I stopped feeding her to take care of the greater need. "I'm wet!" Primus exclaimed. Yeah, I'm sure you are.
