“Nothing is so aggravating as calmness.”
(Oscar Wilde)

When your child is on the rampage for a good fight, the worst thing you can do is give her one.

Rise above the fray of the moment and lovingly stand your ground with complete calm. It takes a good amount of self-discipline, but you’ll be amazed at the results once you can do it. Your kids will get so frustrated at you for being so mature instead of the other way around – you becoming frustrated with them for being immature.

It’s a much better position to be in – and, it can be pretty entertaining to watch. Just be sure to stifle your grin when your kids, in all earnestness, cry out, “Mom! Stop agreeing with me and being so calm!!!”

When your child is trying her best to irritate you and engage you in a battle of wills, nothing – and I mean nothing – will frustrate her more than your unwavering sense of cool. She will likely up her game in order to get you off yours, but that’s when you can remember this:

Our kids test us in order to trust us; when we remain calm and connected we actually pass the test.

Peace begins with pause,