They always seem to…like each other. There never seems to be any of the "give me that spoon, that’s MY spoon" baloney. Is there, in fact, any of that in your house? and are you and your wife writing a parenting book? I would read it.
Well, that’s exactly what they were fighting over yesterday, except it was a doll house instead of a spoon. Both wanted to use it. Only one could (though in the end, they both found a way to play with it).
It happens. And remember: In my head, I was a terrible parent. My only good act was restraint. I refused to get involved. Not exactly an act of genius. Simply an act of will.
But in general, they tend to get along very, very well, but they have their problems. Charlie likes the word "poop" way too much. Clara cannot pick up toys without whining (though she’s getting better). Both stall like crazy before going to bed. Neither has a sense of urgency.
But when it comes to their relationship, it’s pretty great.
One of the things I do to help promote their positive relationship is to create situations where the must rally together against a common foe: me. I do the same thing with my students.
Yesterday, for example, on the way to Panera, they were arguing. Both were tired, and both wanted to go home, but we needed to wait for my wife’s doctor’s appointment to be finished. I sensed the growing tension between them, so I announced, "Guys! I think Panera has a no kids allowed policy now!"
They knew I wasn’t telling the truth, but they quickly bonded against me, and their growing tension was gone. They shouted at me. Made jokes at my expense. Supported each other as I tried to pick them off one at a time. Give people a common purpose and they will learn to find ways to get along.
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They always seem to…like each other. There never seems to be any of the "give me that spoon, that’s MY spoon" baloney. Is there, in fact, any of that in your house? and are you and your wife writing a parenting book? I would read it.
Well, that’s exactly what they were fighting over yesterday, except it was a doll house instead of a spoon. Both wanted to use it. Only one could (though in the end, they both found a way to play with it).
It happens. And remember: In my head, I was a terrible parent. My only good act was restraint. I refused to get involved. Not exactly an act of genius. Simply an act of will.
But in general, they tend to get along very, very well, but they have their problems. Charlie likes the word "poop" way too much. Clara cannot pick up toys without whining (though she’s getting better). Both stall like crazy before going to bed. Neither has a sense of urgency.
But when it comes to their relationship, it’s pretty great.
One of the things I do to help promote their positive relationship is to create situations where the must rally together against a common foe: me. I do the same thing with my students.
Yesterday, for example, on the way to Panera, they were arguing. Both were tired, and both wanted to go home, but we needed to wait for my wife’s doctor’s appointment to be finished. I sensed the growing tension between them, so I announced, "Guys! I think Panera has a no kids allowed policy now!"
They knew I wasn’t telling the truth, but they quickly bonded against me, and their growing tension was gone. They shouted at me. Made jokes at my expense. Supported each other as I tried to pick them off one at a time.
Give people a common purpose and they will learn to find ways to get along.