Game, set...

Posted by Penni on 17 July 2009 | 6 Comments

Tags: parenting, mediation, toddler

I know that he doesn't really have a hearing problem when he, seemingly engrossed in his own activity or thoughts, begins to referee the match. That's probably my cue too, to bite my tongue and calm the tone of my voice (despite the primal urge to win the argument – he is soooo wrong!)
Since being in each other's space 24 hours a day, our three year old can sniff an argument developing and, unlike his mother who doesn't mind the odd verbal tussle, he attempts to snuff it out immediately. “Stop it you two!” he snaps, sometimes not even pealing his eyes from Sponge Bob Squarepants. “That's enough!” He means it too. “But...but...” We find ourselves in a major role reversal, trying to plead our case with him, seek approval for our line of argument, but it's all in vain – he will have none of it. I guess at some point,  as the adults and parents with a responsibility to prevent mental scarring and a fear of the non-nuclear family, we realise that we'd better comply. With teeth grit and narrowed eyes, one of us calls it quits. But don't get me wrong,  no one ever concedes defeat. Just you wait till lights out...