Intro To "Parroting"

Suddenly, it's so clear to me now! Noah has been familiar with and is often made to quote the verse "Children obey your parents," for at least a year. Lately we've been having some obedience issues, so we have a talk and prayer time in the morning and at bedtime and I make him say the verse again. (And sometimes at mealtimes too, here lately! Good grief, he's a handful!) Tonight, I spoke with him about his disobedience and meanness today and after he quoted his verse:

Me- So, you know what this means, right? 

Noah-Yes, to listen and do it. 

Me- Yes, to listen to mommy and daddy and do what we say to do WHEN we say to do it. 

Noah-No! I listen to my parents! You're not my parent! 

Me-(silence) ???.......Um, Noah, who are your parents?

Noah-They live in the woods.

Me- (again, silence....) ???....Noah, do you mean parrots? 

Noah-Yeah! I listen to them! 

Me-(internally, hysterically laughing!!!)- Noah, the verse and God do not want you to obey parrots, the birds, but your PARENTS. Parents are mommy and daddy. I thought you knew this???

Noah-(his turn: Silence) ???...(then suddenly a smile so wide and dumbfounded!): OH!!! HAHA! I thought it meant parrots. I'm sorry. I will obey you, mommy! 

Really?? Is this all it took? Thank you, Lord for opening BOTH our eyes! 

(August 2011)