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This summer so far has had a lot of swimming, playing and going to bed way too late. It has also had a lot of bickering, fighting, and name calling. I have to admit that even though sibling rivalry is pretty normal it just makes me nuts! I worry that I am doing what is right to help them be good to each other, to be each others biggest cheer leaders ect...
So tonight we are preparing to drive home from dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's. I run inside to grab my forgotten cell phone (can't live without that one). I return to total mayhem in my car. Jacob is screaming and Lindsey is yelling at him. He tells me that she said something rude about his butt etc... I blocked out the exact phrase I think. I had just had enough of fighting and without much warning grounded Lindsey from her t.v privileges. She is upset that she cannot earn it back and whines and whines. Pretty soon I hear some crying surprisingly its Jacob not Lindsey. He is begging me to withhold the punishment, whaling. He says he has forgiven her why can't I? He says he cannot enjoy his shows without her, he won't be able to stop crying (pretty dramatic I know). I am totally stuck because his HUGE gesture was completely his own doing and not prompted by Lindsey. So... I told her she could "earn" her t.v back. I then told her to thank Jacob. Pretty soon I hear another tearful voice. She told Jacob that most brothers would be too happy that they got the punishment and would not care for their sister but he was the best... she was truly emotional saying it. I was touched! Maybe they are learning more about getting along then I give them credit for? Hailey was concerned in the back asking about why Lindsey called, "butts" and Why "Jacob was crying"?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Life's Lessons... Forgiveness
Posted by Laura at 11:12 PM
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5 comments:
I think just being together and growing up in the same family, kids are bound to make connections as adults. I was pretty horrible to my brother Sean. Now we are super close. No worries, your kids will end up completely tight. I love that story of Jacob and Lindsey, it's awesome!
This is such a great story, Laura. Isn't it an amazing moment when your kids display knowledge of one of the lessons you've been drilling into their heads since birth -- in this case, a desire to see someone else be happy. This should be an affirmation that you are doing a fantastic job as a mom.
I completely understand your feelings. We have had the same bickering and fighting going on here. Too much time together without a break! Then Joseph had Cub Scout Day Camp everyday last week from 8-4. My girls missed him SO much and he them. He even came in and hugged everyone telling us how much he missed us. It was wonderful to know that what we are teaching them is actually sinking in!!
Sounds like you are doing something really right to have two sensitive kids! I know what you mean about the rivalry driving you nuts...Elijah and Isaiah are going rounds and rounds. I am so tired of trying to get to the bottom of who is crying and why...I know it is total payback for all the fighting I did with my younger brother! :)
When my kids fight in the car I wish I could encapsulate myself in the front and listen to my music and pretend I was in a quiet peaceful car. It was so sweet to read about Jacob and Lindsey's conflict and resolution. Don't you just hate having to come up with a punishment and then having to enforce it?
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