Tasmiya

Husband and I agree on most aspects of child rearing – we believe there are much better and kinder disciplinary tools than smacking although we have both smacked the children on rare occasions; TV is while an excellent babysitter and child controller not a substitute for quality time spent with loved ones; the children are not allowed to speak to anyone (least of all us) with disrespect; after breakfast you MUST have a shower before you can play etc etc.

How we go about enforcing these various rules is a whole other story. You see, my children know that when I say, “no more chocolate” or, “that’s enough TV for today,” no amount of whinging, crying, tantruming is going to change my mind. We ALL however, know that if we push husband far enough he will eventually cave.

The children were doing their usual whinging for another episode of Kim Possible when in exasperation, husband began rummaging in the drawer for pen and paper. I was in the kitchen listening.

“Right! Here is what we are going to do. You guys are watching one more episode. ONE more. And then finished. You are going to write it down on this piece of paper – No more Kim Possible. Write it down, please Z. Then you are both going to sign it, please.”

Silence.

“Ok. So now this piece of paper says that you have agreed to only watch one more episode. So you are not allowed to whinge and cry for more, ok guys?”

After starting the show, he waltzed into the kitchen with a smug grin on his face, holding the piece of paper.

“There. I have it on paper. A contract! Now they can’t whinge.”

I collapsed into hysterics.

“They don’t have any grasp on the concept of a CONTRACT and that it’s legally binding. And besides, it isn’t even legally binding since they aren’t adults. So that means it’s their guardian’s responsibility – meaning YOURS!”

“Shush!”

I had to eat my words. The boys stayed true to their contract and didn’t ask for any more time in front of the television.

Husband 1/ Wife 0