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Carter’s School Uniform Fashion Rewind – Volume Four

Jessica • Nov 25, 2015

I often think about how I power through each and every struggle that comes with Carter’s current age without really appreciating the moment. And like every parent, when that struggle has past and a new obstacle arises, I think to myself, “Why did I think that was hard, this is hard!” I don’t want to parent like that any more. I miss so much of the now  waiting on the next stage.

Right now, in the land of Carter, we are dealing with a lot of fighting with little brother. All day, every day, fighting. “He is touching my blocks!” “He is drawing on my paper!” “He knocked over my blocks!” By the end of the day, I am completely losing my mind.

I have a degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in School Counseling. I have had ample training in conflict resolution. I could sit here and break down step-by-step instructions on how to nip the conflict in the bud , but let’s be honest, sometimes that junk just doesn’t work. And on top of that, no one wants to hear it.

So instead of breaking down what does and what doesn’t work for me and my family, I am actually going to tell you this; enjoy it. What!? Enjoy it!? Am I nuts?! Yes, I am nuts. I don’t always enjoy it. Actually, I almost never enjoy it, so this post is as much for me as it is for you. But if I look at the window of time between the fights, I can see my kids playing with and fully enjoying each other. That is where I need to keep my focus.

Eventually the fighting will stop, but so will the playing together, the innocent childish conversations they share, the games they make up together. Over time they will grow apart, they will make their own friends, Carter will want to do girl things and Monroe will be off doing boy things. They will no longer work together in their kitchen  and bring down breakfast for Rusty and I on a lazy Saturday morning. I’m guessing there will be a time in the future that they will actually fight with each other and it won’t be hair pulling or toy stealing, it will be with nasty hurtful words because all siblings go through that stage. They will shut each other out of their lives and by the time they find their way back together, they will be at a totally new, different place in life and childhood will be left behind.

So if I have to trade in my sanity for a bickering brother and sister that so purely and deeply love echother, I will do that and I will enjoy it.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

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