My conversation today in Alyssa’s room:

Alyssa: (throws dirty clothes on the floor and goes to the dresser to get new clothes)

Me: “Pick up those clothes and put them in the hamper. There’s no need to make your room a pig sty.”

Alyssa: “My room’s not a pig sty.”

Me: “It’s getting there. Look at this mess.”

Alyssa: (pointing to bookcase) “Well, maybe if my brother didn’t mess up all my books my room would be cleaner.”

Me: “Well, maybe if his sister would worry more about cleaning her room than blaming him, she’d be done by now.”

Alyssa: “Well, maybe his sister should do whatever she wants.”

She’s five. What will the teenage years be like?