If David and Mary Virginia are both awake, they are bickering. They fight in the car, during meals, in the stroller. Whenever I’m on the verge of making me LOSE MY EVER-LOVING MIND, I try to remember that they’re kids and this is normal kid stuff. Having siblings is just one way we learn to interact, right? This is an opportunity to teach my kids how to respect others, how be generous, how to forgive and ask for forgiveness, and how to — CAN’T YOU GUYS PLAY TOGETHER FOR JUST ONE MINUTE!?!?!
Sorry. Where was I? That’s right, they’re learning how to put others first, about empathy, and about how easy it is to manipulate Mommy when her brain is fried from ALL THAT FIGHTING!
David: If she doesn’t share with me then I won’t share with her!
Me: David, in the Bible Jesus tells us that we should treat other people the way we want them to treat us.
David: [takes a moment to think] Mommy? Why did you say TREAT? Can I have a treat?
(Thanks for the cookies CJ!)
Isn’t it amazing how you can tell them all kinds of profound things that are totally lost and then mention the word treat, cookie, or ice cream – even to another person in a whispered tone – and they are the most attentive children EVER?!
Oh how cute! And what a way to get them to stop bickering for just a bit lol 🙂
Oh with skills in misdirection like that he’ll be ruling the world – hopefully with cake and biscuits!!