photo credit: Aislinn Ritchie Ever have one of those days when the kids seem to spend every waking moment picking at each other? Today was one of those days here at Earnest Parenting. It’s not really sibling rivalry….just irritating the daylights out of each other. First The Mercenary would irritate Captain Earthquake, who would then [...]

Mary asked in the comments of Verbal Fireworks for some Love and Logic responses to sibling rivalry that might work. I’m putting my thoughts here and in the next post on this topic; any other suggestions that you may have to add to the comments section would be just fantastic. Here’s Mary’s comment, so you [...]

I’ve been noticing lately the power of words, especially the spoken word. All 4 boys are demonstrating an ability to seriously get under each others’ skin, just by using their words. Having 2 sets of twins can make for some fascinating interactions. We have a couple of competing dynamics: children who’ve lived their lives with [...]

Well.  I knew the boys were anxious about starting school again, but I had no idea how anxious.  It all started with getting them out of bed about an hour earlier than they are accustomed.  Turns out a certain brilliant (ahem) individual made a doctor’s appointment for Captain Earthquake at 7:45 am.  Oh.  Did I [...]