Parenting can be a delightful journey, especially when you have three kids who generally get along well. They share laughter, play games, and, above all, have a genuine affection for each other. However, sibling rivalry is an age-old story, as anyone with brothers or sisters can attest. Picture Cain and Abel—it’s a tale that’s been told for generations.
Reflecting on my childhood, I often found myself in petty disputes with my brother. Despite our overall camaraderie, we engaged in verbal battles over perceived slights, like yelling, “Mom! Jake is poking me!” from the backseat. Now, as a parent, I understand my mother’s exasperation all too well.
My kids have argued over a plethora of trivial matters, but here are some of their most ridiculous favorites:
Who Received More?
Whether it’s a drop of juice, a spoonful of ice cream, or even a mere crumb of a cookie, my children have the uncanny ability to detect any discrepancies in portion sizes. The moment one feels wronged, the inevitable cry ensues: “Why did she get more than meee?” My go-to response? “Because I love her more, obviously.” But I find comfort in Louis C.K.’s wisdom: “You only look in your neighbor’s bowl to see if they have enough, not to compare amounts.” Mic drop!
Turn-Taking Tensions
“It’s my turn to ring the doorbell!” “I want to push the elevator button!” “I deserve to sit next to Mommy!” The disputes over who gets to do what can be endless. I’ve even considered keeping a detailed chart to track who gets to push which button. (Insider tip: the inside buttons are the most coveted.) When the squabbling escalates, I simply declare, “It’s Mommy’s turn!” and take over myself—except for the litter box, of course, that’s on them.
Funny Looks
Who knew eye contact could spark such chaos? “She glared at me!” “Stop looking at me like that!” “He always gives me that look!” The drama is real! When eye contact escalates, I resort to my goofy cross-eyed stare, using my Crazy Mommy powers to diffuse the tension. It might be a bit creepy, but it often works wonders!
Laughing Disputes
While they love to laugh together, things take a turn when one of them finds joy while another is in a foul mood. They often accuse each other of laughing at them, which can be true sometimes, but convincing them otherwise is a lost cause.
Imaginary Mayhem
One day, my daughter stormed into the room, tears streaming down her face. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “He destroyed my waaahhhh!” “What on earth is that?” “My imaginary draagon!” Yes, the imaginary destruction of a pretend creature causes real emotions. I simply hug them until they settle down and create something new. You can’t reason with fantasy.
Mommy Wars
Finally, my little ones have a tug-of-war over who gets to be closest to me, the Almighty Mommy. There’s a primal instinct at play, and my youngest two constantly vie for my attention. If one snuggles up, the other quickly follows suit. They don’t overtly argue about it, perhaps sensing the consequences, but there’s a silent competition for who can claim the best spot.
Siblings will always bicker; it’s an undeniable part of life. I just hope that when they grow up, they won’t squabble over trivial matters like who pushed the elevator button last. Fingers crossed!
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In summary, while sibling squabbles over trivial matters may drive parents crazy, they are a natural part of growing up. With resources available to support parents and help them navigate the journey of conception, we can find humor and wisdom in the chaos that is family life.