The Littlest Boss

Nine-year-old Emma couldn't believe her eyes. Her five-year-old brother Tommy was sitting in Dad's favorite armchair, wearing Dad's too-big tie, and demanding everyone's attention. "From now on," Tommy announced with his chest puffed out, "I'm the boss of this family! No more bedtime, and ice cream for breakfast!" Mom and Dad were trying hard not to laugh, but Emma felt annoyed. Yesterday, they had watched a movie about a CEO, and now Tommy wouldn't stop pretending to be one. He even made their dog Buddy wear a tie! "This is ridiculous," Emma thought. But then she had an idea. Maybe she could teach her little brother a lesson about what being a boss really means.

"Alright, boss," Emma said sweetly. "Since you're in charge, you need to handle all the family problems today." Tommy clapped his hands excitedly, not realizing what he was getting into. "First problem," Emma announced. "Buddy knocked over his water bowl, and there's a huge puddle in the kitchen." "And," Mom added, catching on to Emma's plan, "we need to figure out what everyone's having for lunch." "Also," Dad chimed in, "the living room needs tidying before Grandma visits this afternoon." Tommy's confident smile started to waver. He looked at the growing list of tasks, then at his toy briefcase, then back at the puddle in the kitchen. Being a boss wasn't as fun as he thought. What should Tommy do first?

Tommy marched to the kitchen, his Dad's tie dragging on the floor. He grabbed paper towels and started wiping up the puddle. "Buddy, you're not being a very good employee," he scolded, but the dog just wagged his tail. The job was bigger than he expected. His knees got wet, and his hands were tired. Emma watched from the doorway, surprised he hadn't given up yet. "Good job, boss," she said. "But now everyone's hungry, and we need lunch plans." Tommy's forehead wrinkled as he thought about this new challenge. Being responsible for other people's meals was harder than ordering ice cream for himself. "Um..." he hesitated, Dad's tie slipping sideways.

"Mom, as the boss, I order you to make lunch!" Tommy declared, climbing onto a kitchen stool. "Sorry, boss," Mom replied with a smile, "but I'm taking my lunch break. Good bosses know how to handle things when their employees are unavailable." Tommy's lower lip trembled. He was getting hungry too, and the living room still needed cleaning before Grandma arrived. "Being a boss isn't just about giving orders," Emma explained, seeing his distress. "It's about solving problems and helping your team." Tommy looked at his toy briefcase, then at the messy living room, his tummy rumbling. The tie felt heavy around his neck now, and he was starting to understand that being in charge wasn't as simple as he thought.

"Emma, would you help me make lunch?" Tommy asked quietly. "We can be like... business partners?" Emma smiled and showed him how to make simple sandwiches. They worked together, with Tommy carefully spreading peanut butter while Emma handled the jelly. "Good bosses know when to ask for help," Emma praised. Everyone loved their sandwiches, but as they finished eating, Dad pointed to the clock. Only one hour until Grandma arrived, and the living room was still a mess! Tommy looked at his toys scattered everywhere. Being a boss meant dealing with one problem after another. He was tired, but he knew he couldn't quit - he'd promised to be in charge for the whole day.

Tommy curled up in Dad's armchair, the tie now completely crooked. "I'll just rest my eyes for a minute," he mumbled. He woke up to Grandma's voice in the doorway. "My, what a messy welcome!" Tommy jumped up, horrified. His toys were still everywhere, and now everyone was staring at him - Mom, Dad, Emma, and Grandma. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice small. "I thought being a boss meant doing whatever you want, but it's really hard work! You have to solve problems and help people and can't just take naps whenever you feel like it." Emma watched her little brother's face, seeing how much he'd learned today. Maybe now was the time to help him end his first day as a boss on a good note.