Snowy and the Two Year Old

Our elf has a rule that he does not like to be touched. The kids were told if they touched him, he wouldn't move to a new spot that night. Somehow this morphed in their little child minds into a decree that if he was touched, he would leave forever. Imagine the consternation this could cause! Obviously the rule was put into place so that Snowy (and I) could have some peace and so he doesn't get wagged around the house all day, broken and/or lost. So on our first day with Snowy, he was sitting on the kitchen counter. Ryan (age 2) has reached that stage where she realizes she can get to her siblings. She pulls a chair up by the elf and bumps him or pokes him, I'm not quite sure the level of transgression. This sends the other children into hysterics because now Snowy is going to leave forever!

Evan: Ryan! Do you want Snowy to leave forever? Do you?!
Ryan: Yes.
Mom: Laughing silently and letting them muddle through on their own.
Erin: (whispering to Snowy). Snowy, please do not leave. She's just two and she doesn't know better. We'll watch her carefully so she doesn't touch you again.
Evan: (writing Snowy a letter). Snowy, Ryan did not mean to touch you. Please don't leave. ERaaghueal (or some such word that even Evan could not read afterwards.)

I was called on to intervene several times, but I think it is important for children to learn to work through these types of issues on their own. As long as there is not bloodshed and the noise level stays tolerable, I generally stay out of it. Needless to say, Snowy understood the two year old point of view and her need to touch plus her need to aggravate! He did not leave and tonight has moved to preside over the Nativity scene. Imagine the baby Jesus at two years old! I bet he wouldn't have touched the Elf.