tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670340312248287209.post2822767084944141633..comments2011-01-20T20:56:19.978-08:00Comments on Midstream: When it's warm, I just turn the hose on them.Midstreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15959104812080061022noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670340312248287209.post-39412037969431505732010-04-25T20:56:07.123-07:002010-04-25T20:56:07.123-07:00We bought a book, called "Siblings Without Ri...We bought a book, called "Siblings Without Rivalry" so we could feel like we were confronting the problem. Then we put it on our bedside table in hopes of one day reading it (once we have time for reading when the kids have all moved out...) <br /><br />AmyAmynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670340312248287209.post-62099966496844840202010-03-31T20:28:53.196-07:002010-03-31T20:28:53.196-07:00Wow, this is a tough one! Separating them is key f...Wow, this is a tough one! Separating them is key for me (my two boys are 9 and 6). This doesn't come easily and usually involves a substantial amount of yelling and then having me play a game with one of them. I try distractions often. For example, I would take away both cereal boxes and then start telling stories about my extended family. Sometimes I join in the copying just to relieve the tension. <br /><br />As for the summer days, I couldn't take it if there wasn't *something* special each day that they could look forward to. I'm just not good with boredom, I guess. <br /><br />CarolynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670340312248287209.post-23709858426085088892010-03-21T04:37:43.919-07:002010-03-21T04:37:43.919-07:00These are the times that try parents' souls. I...These are the times that try parents' souls. I know that if it upsets you and you show it, then you become part of it. And it impairs your ability to deal with it. Wait for the best moment to intervene. Choose sanctions, if necessary, well. Conflict is part of life.<br /><br />We live an increasingly stressful era. Two-parent households (that last) have become rare. So parents with low enough stress levels (to NOT let sibling fights upset them too) are hard to find.<br /><br />So I watch people continue on, doing the best they can, despite the impairment of dealing with their own personal stress (unrelated to the two little ones).<br /><br />Just continue the juggling act, remembering that if you fall apart, nobody benefits. Keep some time to care for yourself. And remember that they might forget what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel. Admit it if you make a mistake. And try not to ever let them forget that you love them.<br /><br />Hey, you asked ...<br /><br />Uncle DougAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670340312248287209.post-19437259091201899942010-03-19T22:39:23.364-07:002010-03-19T22:39:23.364-07:00Dude.
First: I check your blog more often than nec...Dude.<br />First: I check your blog more often than necessary, even when I'm late for something. OK? Ok.<br /><br />Second: Crap. It's almost summer. Thanks for the reminder. It'll be 90 Saturdays. IN. A. ROW. I tend to love me some Mondays.<br /><br />Thirdly: Mine are 8 years apart and I have NO answers. Seriously. That's just sad. <br /><br />Fourth: Pass the wine. Preferrably NOT in a box.<br /><br />DanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6670340312248287209.post-3067201036491890912010-03-19T17:14:35.745-07:002010-03-19T17:14:35.745-07:00Oh dear Jill - I was hoping for an answer from you...Oh dear Jill - I was hoping for an answer from you! E is almost 2 and W is 3.5 and it is certainly getting interesting around here. I LOVE your answer about school - and I feel for those with LONG summers ahead of them. Perhaps day camps are feasible? I'll read for other brilliant answers. The "let them work it out" only goes so far at this age and W is practically 2x Evie's size (he's TALL!). But my brothers and I fought for a long time (I was the winey little sister - and soon figured out that dad would get made enough at the two brothers for picking on me - they finally stopped. But I was lke - 20.Helena Wallin-Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11971109341810870801noreply@blogger.com