Sibling Rivalry

As I said in a previous post, the small un-submissive heathens in this house have been trying to stage a mutiny. However, there is major dissent amongst the ranks. The arguing has got to stop. Who knew kissing could be such a horrific punishment?

I didn't intend for it to be a punishment, really, though I always figure the punishment should fit the crime. I just thought I'd force some affection between the sibling trio as a response to their continuous quarrelling. I warned them, "If I hear anyone arguing with each other, I will make you kiss each other on the cheek, because I know deep down in your hearts, you really and truly LOVE each other." Joshua made a face of disgust.

Yesterday, during quarrel number 4,793 at The Crazy Bunny Lady's (CBL) House I stopped them mid-sentence and said, "Kiss each other."

"Right now?"

"Yes. I don't want to hear another word. Kiss each other on the cheek."

Ruth looked at me and started to well up with tears. Joshua made a face of disgust as if he were involved in a haggis eating contest.

"I...I...I...don't wanna..." Ruth began.

Joshua, sensing my rising ire, quickly leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. I gave Ruth the look which said, "Now it's your turn." With great big tears and a large amount of reluctance, she pecked her brother quickly on his cheek while he cringed, eyes closed tightly. Then, as if a dog had just licked him up and down his face, Joshua started to groan and wipe his hands all over his cheeks and mouth, "UGH. That's awful. Ugh! Oh man! UGH!" Ruth wiped her cheek and mouth and pouted. CBL tried hard not to laugh, which made me have to fight back laughter too. It did put the argument to a screaming halt making both CBL and I realize it was quite an effective argument remmedy, at least that once.

So this afternoon, I sent the kids upstairs to tidy up their rooms before heading out to the pool when I heard the rumblings of yet another disagreement. "Do you two need to give each other another kiss?" I hollered up the stairs. Almost in unison, they replied emphatically, "NO!" I think it was the first and only thing they've agreed upon all summer.