Talk to the HANDS!!

Last night I was attempting to do the "proper parenting" thing. The term "proper parenting" is relative to what book you are reading at the time or simply what mood you're in. Anyway, so I have the four year old (#3) alone in the living room. I am seated in a chair and she facing me on the floor. I am explaining to her that she shouldn't fight with her sisters as they love her and reminded her of the golden rule.

Now, this is a "chat" that I had and continue to have with all of my girls (I suppose it would apply to boys too, but I don't have those). When hearing this sermon, the oldest (#1) usually complains that she behaves this way because her sisters are responsible for HER actions, which leads to further discussion. The child born second (#2) usually bows her head and states something like, "I will try to make my life better, Mom". But the baby, the four year old, seated on the floor in front of me, raises her arms with fingers apart and says......"TALK TO THE HANDS"!!!!

The hands did some talking alright, mine. So much for the Dobson approach. Next time, I believe I'll skip the sermon and go straight to the time out chair. There I will quietly sip tea and let them duke it out (John Rosemond approach).