On Saturday, they were each coloring a Christmas picture I had printed off of the internet, and each boy kept threatening to draw/color/mark up the other boy's picture. I told them to knock it off, they each said okay, and less than a minute later Ethan was trying to mark Aidan's paper.
I got really frustrated and went on a tirade: "Why did you completely ignore what I just said to you? Why do you not listen to me? Do you LIKE getting in trouble? Do you like it when Aidan marks up your paper? What kind of consequence do you need for ignoring me and being mean to your brother? (He shrugged.) I can't think of a good consequence. How about if I take back the 50 cents you earned for sweeping out the entire garage?" (I was feeling exasperated and at my wit's end by then.)
He leaned in and whispered into my ear, "I put the 50 cents in Aidan's present [that I made from scratch, wrapped all by myself and put under the tree]."
Stab my heart, why don't you!!
He can be so frustrating one moment, and so loving the next.
And, as always, my kids teach me more than I teach them.
14 people wanted to leave a comment:
What a great story. I can completely relate:).
That's how the trick you! :)
cute boy!
Merry Christmas!
I too can relate...to the whole thing {being at my wits end, etc. etc.).
That made me laugh. See, they really do love each other! They just like to exasperate you.
I have one that when I get extremely frustrated with him, he turns to me and gives me a big hug and tells me he loves me...the other just smiles his angel smile and thinks all is well. Good thing we love them!
We have similar conflicting behaviour going on around here. So exasperating!
I hate when this happens! LOL
Which is daily...
My children are always turning what I think should be teaching moments for them into teaching moments for me. ☺
That is so touching. It's hard to stay mad when they say and do something like that. It diffuses the frustrations and angers right away even if we want to stay mad. Ha.
This is a great validation post for me. I feel just like how you mention so much of the time and then have those same reminders of how sweet they can be, just not usually so very both at the same time! :)
Love it! And the beauty is, they keep teaching you....even as they become adults!
My kids have learned that when they argue with one another then they get to be with one another, and no one else, until they can learn to get along.
I know a mom who actually tied her girls together so that they would have to learn to get along.
Good luck!
I totally feel like this most days! Love how you always put my thoughts into words!
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