Overheard In My House: Blame Shifting

Brandon: Mom, Matthew just bit me. I have about had it with him.

Mom: Matthew, come here. Did you bite Brandon?

Matthew smiles, but shakes his head "no."

Mom: Brandon, did Matthew really bite you?

Brandon: Yes, Mom! He bit me on the leg! It didn't leave a mark, though . . .

Mom: Matthew, did you really bite Brandon?

Matthew, still smiling, shakes his head "yes."

Mom: Matthew, that's ugly! You do not bite people!

Matthew: Mama, Brandon bit me on my head, my belly, my legs, my hands, my fingers, my forehead, my nose, my chin, my feet, my toes, my head, my eyes . . .

Mom: Matthew, I don't think Brandon bit you . . .

Matthew: . . . my forehead, my ears. Then he hit me like this (claps his hands together) and then . . . (starts to bang his head on the bed).

Mom: Matthew, you are quite the story teller. From now on, no one bites anyone, do you understand? And no more violence!

Matthew: Still smiling. Yes, Mama.