My kids are at an age where they are getting into squabbles with each other. Sometimes it is a big blatant transgression with a clear right and wrong. More often than not though, it’s a cycle of grievances perpetuated back and forth. Frequent complaints are name-calling and various degrees of “she’s touching me.” Another common theme is hoarding and stealing. They both love to stockpile things like special rocks or playing cards, whatever the current 4 and 5 year treasure is of the day. Then the hiding place gets discovered. The loot gets stolen to be re-hidden and we start over again. Neither child is innocent. It’s usually unclear how it started but it continues on, measure for measure until both are crying and upset. Open-mouth wailing. Breath-holding. Foot stomping.



