The Joys of Parenting

I love my children but sometimes they can really push me over the edge. Between the whining, crying, tattling, complaining, and tantrum throwing... sometimes I just can't take any more. Today was one of those days. Adam and Abbi started in on each other early this morning and by 9:30 in the morning, I was already forced to referee many arguments over little trivial things. So, since our dishwasher broke (just one of many things gone wrong this week but that is another post), I told them to go down and wash the dishes, rinse them, and put them in the dishwasher - to dry. So, off they run yelling who gets to do what job. Of course, they both choose the same job and yet another argument ensues. I tried to ignore the yelling as long as I could but when I heard a big SLAP and crying, I decided to go investigate. Can you believe it? They are fighting over who gets to wash the dishes. Honestly! So within seconds, Abbi - the slapper- found herself in timeout and Adam - the slappee, but not so innocent- was sent to sit on the couch. Then I had a bright idea! They both were to sit down and write a note to each other. The note had to say what they liked about each other and could be no less than 50 words. I then made them sit facing each other and read the note. Here is what they said:
Adam's note to Abbi:

"What I like to do with you is play outside. The best thing about you is that you help me with some things. Some times I get mad at you but you are my sister. You are the best sister ever. I am sorry I yeld at you. You Rock."

Abbi's note to Adam:

"To Adam, you are good at math and x,+, -. You are good at legos. I im sore that I hit you. How do you bild legos sow fast? You are good at playing socer. You are good at playing baskit boll."

I think it went pretty well.

Sometimes, amidst the hard moments of parenting, I find myself laughing at some of the "punishments" I come up with for my kids. Like the time I tied Adam and Abbi up together and made them make cookies. They could only use the one free hand they had which forced them to work together at measuring ingredients and mixing the dough. Or the time I made them hold hands in the back seat of the car for an extended period of time. And, of course, who could forget the time I made them actually hug one another. Anyone else have any creative punishments? Leave a comment and share. I would love to hear them. I could use a good laugh.