The ONE word to end all arguments with your child.

I love this word and yet for months on end I will forget to use it. It's like it simply drop out of my vocabulary...until I am at my wits end with argumentative young ones.

There are few things that drive me batty as fast as an argumentative child. Perhaps it's the challenge of my authority...I'm working on that. (I do have an oppositional defiant child-man I love that kid)





Maybe it's the screaming fit that almost always comes from one of the parties involved (yes, sometimes that is me)

 



Or, maybe it's because I really don't like confrontation. I just want us all to get along.



Whatever the reason, I am so thankful for the young mother who told me her parents used this word on her........and she hated it because when she heard that word she knew the battle was lost.

So what is this magical argument ending word???

nev·er·the·less

ˌnevərT͟Həˈles/

adverb

1. in spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same.

Now that I have remembered this very powerful word, I am ready for battle a polite conversation with my child again.



So, what's the key to success with this strategy?
 
It will come as no surprise. Be consistent.


Children love to argue. It is normal. It is part of growing up. As parents we "get" that. Most of us knew what we'd be getting into when we signed up for this job (we were kids once...we remember wanting our own way and arguing for it).

Since kids love to argue, there are going to be many opportunities for me to practice this! And that's what it takes. Lots of practice. I used to be so much better at this and I am so excited I finally remembered this word again!!

I love that no matter what he or she comes back with, I can always say "Nevertheless  ________________________" and fill in the blank with whatever request I have made. (e.g. "Nevertheless, you have to do the dishes.") And then I become a broken record repeating the same words over and over again.



Be sure to pair your new mantra with some deep breathing so you can keep your cool.



Because this can go on for a while when you first start using your new and powerful word.
nev·er·the·less

Come on, is being a MOM really that hard?

I feel like it's a little bit ironic that I'm finally starting this blog on a day like today. You know the kind I'm talking about. Those days when the things you envisioned happening for the day looked like this.



But instead you end up having a day like this.



Yup. It has been one of those days.

Today is the first day of Spring Break so naturally we were all ecstatic to sleep in and then play.

But of course that is not what happened. Instead we have had this.



And this.




So, is being a mom really that hard?? Yes. Yes it is.

Is being a mom really worth it? Worth the lost sleep? The changes in my body? The chauffeuring people to where they need to be? Worth the time spent cooking? Cleaning? Laundry? The list goes on and the answer is YES. Yes, it is.

Being a mom is worth it because I get:
-sloppy kisses given by a little one
-running-into-you hugs after not seeing me for a few hours
-smiles, huge, ear-to-ear smiles
-hand crafted cards created with crayons and glitter glue
-snuggles in the morning before eveyone else is up
-coloring at the kitchen table just so your companion will talk to you about her woes
-sleepy squishes as I tuck them in a night
-my house surprise "cleaned" for me (they know how important a "clean" house is to me)
-to declare to all that I am a MOM and proud of it.

I have many titles. Wife, Mother, daughter, Aunt, teacher, friend , homemaker, essential oil expert, and disciple of Jesus Christ are just a few. I enjoy being all of those things. I have chosen to make each one of them part of who I am.

Being a MOM is something I have fought for through biological and adopted children alike. It is something I will continue to fight for. Yes, it is really that hard. And yes, it is so worth it.