Photo: @thislakshmi via Instagram
The other day, I looked over and saw something incredibly rare and beautiful: My three kids were reading a book together. Nine-year-old Perdy had her arm around three-year-old Carmelo; 11-month-old Rocco was resting his head in Perdy?s lap. I had always wanted a big family, and there they all were, happily existing in one another?s company. I got teary-eyed just looking at them.
But then, baby Rocco yanked the book from Carmelo?s fingers. Carmelo shoved his baby brother and screamed, ?No, baby!? Perdy sharply told him not to push the baby. Carmelo yelled at Perdy that he hated her, and she ran off to her room in tears.
Just another blissful day at my house.
When I?m thinking straight, I know fighting among siblings is completely normal. (I have a brother, after all.) But there?s something about seeing my kids argue that pushes all my buttons and leaves me an emotional wreck long after they?ve gotten over it and are playing together again. I get upset because I want them to be best friends, and really, what was the point in having more than one if they aren?t going to get along and entertain one another" I pictured them happily playing together all day long, not brawling and sniping. My response to their fighting isn?t consistent?if I?m totally honest, it usually involves yelling and sending at least one darling child to his or her room. I find it helps to remember these squabbles are often the first encounters kids have with conflict...