Every mom has her own technique for dealing with kids on those difficult days. I'm not sure if it was the sudden change in weather (the temperature dropped almost 30 degrees from yesterday) or that my kids have been getting to bed a little later than they should, but today they were just snapping at each other all afternoon. I knew simply getting upset at them wouldn't solve anything, so instead I relied on my standby mom coping strategy I like to call deflecting.
Follow this scenario:
Youngest: "Mom she's making too much noise, I can't do my homework. Mom, make her stop."
RM:"Hey, you told me you got an award in class today, what was that for again?"
Youngest: Forgets her sister's infraction and start telling me all about her coloring award.
Perhaps I do it too often and my kids are destined to have some sort of parent-triggered ADD, but for me a little distraction can pull a kid out of just about anything. What do you do when a simple, stop, doesn't suffice?
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Absolutely makes good sense not to get caught up in their arguments. Distraction works wonders in this scenario!
ReplyDeleteI'm in complete agreement. Distract kids whenever possible. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Thanks for this suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI like this advice. There's a hilarious article in Mothering from a month ago or so about how they distract toddlers from fighting in Mongolia. The women just lift up their shirts (grandma too) and say, come here baby, have some milk. Apparently it works every time!
ReplyDeleteFunny how distraction always seems to work--even in other countries!
ReplyDeleteI still use distraction with my teenage sons -- works better than arguing!
ReplyDeleteGood to know it still works as they age!
ReplyDelete