I know what you're thinking, and yes - they are, too.

My brother- and sister-in-law had their first getaway weekend and we kept the kids. Man on man, I'd forgotten how much work little ones are.

They're a boy and a girl and of course, they're polar opposites. The boy is as laid-back as you can get. The girl is as spoiled as you can get. She learned at probably one day of age that if she screams as loud as she can, her mother will instantly give her everything she wants.

For the first two years, this little girl and I were mortal enemies. She wouldn't let me hold her, ever. I didn't feel too bad because she wouldn't let anyone else hold her, either.

So when they came over to our house, I was curious as to how it would play out. My wife is a little more strict than her younger sister but still do quick to cave in to crying so I had to go all John Wayne on her. She saw instantly that my way would work. Well, OK - she acknowledged a day later that I was right. Regardless, victory was mine!

I straightened the girl out pretty quick, too. First I told her "No". That didn't work the first time (I knew it wouldn't), so then I told her "Go ahead and scream as loud as you want. I listen to music that's far louder than you can ever scream. Yes, scream your little lungs out, but you aren't getting to take all the toys away from your brother and not share with him." Amazingly, this worked to perfection.

Unfortunately, when her parents got back, her mother went back to giving in to the first scream. Then when I went to pick her up and say goodbye (the child, not the mother), she blew a fuse (again, the child, not the mother).

Sigh. Almost. A.L.M.O.S.T.

Good for you!

I find kids of that age so exhausting. Well done for getting through it and not giving in. - and good tactics too.

Until next year then?

glad you survived, they can be killer.

Bravo....I can't stand people that spoil the hell out of their kids...this creates little monsters.

peacenlovealways said:

Bravo....I can't stand people that spoil the hell out of their kids...this creates little monsters.

real housewives of NJ anyone, damn!

Yeah ... I am really over "babies" ... Love my grands & love to give um back after a 1/2 day ...

But give me kids 9 -21 ANYDAY

Teens are overall my fave age group

Mach said:

Yeah ... I am really over "babies" ... Love my grands & love to give um back after a 1/2 day ...

But give me kids 9 -21 ANYDAY

Teens are overall my fave age group

mine too.

RodeoSchro said:

'I watched twin two-year-olds this weekend and I AM STILL ALIVE'