scribblechic

The first day of the New Year was quiet, our children too tired to gather the energy required to antagonize one another. Until bedtime. In a moment of simple sibling dispute over territory, the day ended in sleepy tears. My husband and I stoically maintained a straight face and a stern presence despite our daughter’s precocious spirit and our son’s persistence.

Our son held tightly to his identity as a victim of longstanding torture at the hands of his little sister. He skirted his contributions to the exchange while our daughter willingly confessed to her crimes, passionately defending herself with a character portrait of her brother that left little room for innocence. My husband and I slowly unraveled the truth, veteran siblings ourselves, while hiding our humor behind carefully placed lessons.

The moments after our good nights were marked by appreciation and laughter for our children’s personalities. I like that our children argue because it lends them an occasion to work through conflict towards respectful resolution with someone they love. Relationships exist between imperfect people making conflict unavoidable. I admire both children for planting their feet in justice on their own behalf. So often in life there are times you must stand up for yourself and home is a safe place to practice. Finally, forgiveness is something they must find for themselves, it cannot be forced by an authority figure. My children’s tearful hugs at the end of their evening lingered just long enough for me to know they were not lost to their own feelings, but mindful of one another’s.

Tiny lessons relative to life.

Tagged: Children, Parenting