Kids and their anger

I have a rule in my house: no one is allowed to stay mad at me.

It is always followed at all times.

It goes a little something like this ...

Kid makes bad choice.
Mom corrects kid.
Kid knows they were wrong, but would much rather be mad at Mom.
Kid tries to make it sound like Mom's fault.
Mom lovingly restates the bad choice.
Kid is now really angry because the ploy didn't work and so they decide to just be mad at Mom anyway.

This usually involves some wonderfully dramatic body language, including some of the best squinched up faces you will ever see. My children are professionals at displaying anger.

However, I give them several minutes to cool down, and then it's time to move along. It finishes up a little something like this ...

Mom reminds kid just how much she loves them.
Kid keeps up the mad act with the mad face and the mad body posture.
Mom begins to dance a little bit.
Kid rolls eyes and lets out a, "Moooooooom!"
Mom begins to sing, "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" using whatever she can find as a microphone.
Kid is now trying not to smile, and says, "I know what you're doing, and this is NOT going to work!"
Mom is now to the "Baby, baby, I'd get down on my knees for you" and is either on her knees or (even better) is dancing on top of the nearest table.
Kid can no longer stand it, and has to smile and laugh.
Mom never did lose her temper, and got a little exercise, to boot!

The End.


(other song alternatives: "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing," "When I See You Smile," "Mmm Bop" - particularly if you make up all the lyrics to the chorus, "Endless Love," "All My Lovin'," "It Takes Two," "I've Got You Babe,""Please Do Not Go," ANYTHING by Barry Manillow ... you get the idea)