Will's Go' Fish

Will is a very possessive boy, more so than any other child I have ever known. He doesn't like to give away anything; toys, clothes, food. I've tried the old 'some poor little boy needs this' thing until I'm red in the face, to no avail. Only twice have I ever tried to clear out his toy box with him around; I learn quick.

He doesn't even like others to have our trash. And he's not just possesive of his stuff; but anything belonging to us as well. He's been known to get so upset he cries when Steve takes something on mine, or visa versa.

"No! It's Momma's. Put it back!" he'll yell.

So, I should have been prepared, but I wasn't.

Will's preschool gives the children a small snack right before they are released. As most of the children ride the bus, and can be on it for up to an hour, it's a great idea. Parents supply large boxes of crackers, pretzels, low-sugar cereal and the teachers distribute it to the children.

Last night we purchased a HUGE box of gold fish to send to school with Will. As Will's school as is poor as it gets, the snacks so far have left much to be desired and I wanted to send the children something different. Will proudly cared the huge box in his backpack, the weight of it nearly knocking him over, as he climbed on the bus.

Five hours later, I help him off the bus and realize his backpack is still full and heavy. Taking it from him, I unzip it and sure enough the box of Gold Fish is still in there, unopened.

"Will, did you give the teacher the gold fish today?" I asked, assuming he must not have.

"Yes."

"Did she give them back to you?" Maybe they're not on the approved list.

"No."

"Does she know you have them?"

"No. I took them."

"You took them without asking?"

"Yes. When she wasn't looking I put them back in my backpack. They're Will's Go' Fish and I want them to come home with me."