Everything is an emergency

I hear desperate calls of "Mama!" "Mama!" with a tone to them that make it seem like the cat is on fire or something.  It is usually something much more benign. Like needing a drink.

Peas is dramatic. She is.  She is also 4.  I have to really strive to remember that in her world the things she needs are an emergency.

It is not always easy.  I get annoyed.  But usually once she knows I am paying attention the desperate please of 'Mama!!!' calm down a little.  Really though don't we all want acknowledgement- for someone to pay attention to us?  Once we feel heard things are much better- its that way for Peas also, I guess.

Can you do something???

I have a really hard time with 'can' vs. 'can't'.

For example: when I hurt my wrist. Could I do xyz?? Well I could- but would hurt a lot. Then I get yelled at for saying I could do something when I couldn't... Shouldn't there be a qualifier there? "Can you do this with out pain?"

Another one, can you drive to my parents house for lunch? Technically, yes I could. It is not reasonable, but it could be done. Sooooo what is the answer? Am I supposed to say, "Yes, I could- but I would have to leave very early"

I can never tell! What do you do?