Is a limo partition even an option?

How often do your children argue? Where do they do it most often?

My kids are fond of bickering with each other in the car. Even though we specifically purchased a car with captain seats in the hopes of providing “personal space”, it hasn’t helped.   Squabbles range from “his feet are on my side” to ” she is looking at me”.  It seems to always center around one of them feeling an “injustice” has been done.  Obviously, kids concept of fairness differs from ours. And yes, between ages 7-11 “fairness” means “equality” and logic is lacking.  However, knowing this doesn’t make it any easier or more bearable.

Tonight, by the time we got to swim team practice, I had run a complete cycle of emotions.  Professionals suggest using these times as “teaching moments”.   Sometimes that isn’t possible.  I admit…there are days that I lose patience and really have no interest in presenting how “win-win” situations are better for all.  I tried letting them go to figure it out themselves praying reason or common sense would kick in at any second. However, the arguing progressed and started to include name calling.

After blocks of deep breathing and trying to tune them out by turning up the radio, I finally broke.  I quickly shut off the radio at the stop sign…spun around and said…”name calling is the worst option ever. In real life, it is an awful strategy when trying to get your way and never ever works.” They just sat staring…blank faces.    I then proceeded to turn back on the radio…and ironically “Getaway” by Earth,Wind,and Fire came on. As I drove on listening to “Getaway”, I thought about how funny life can be.  Years and years ago, it was my brother and I fighting in the back of the car.  At that time, there were no IPads or DVD players.  I remembered how many times my mom or dad turned around and threatened to pull over the car.  And what did we fight about?  The same things my kids fight about now. Smiles. Deep Breathes.  It is all OK. It all works out.