The rules kids put on each other

Listening to kids is so interesting.

But staying out of their "politics" is oftentimes difficult.

Granted. When we're on the playground I will most definitely step in when there's a stronger bully bothering my child. This Mama-Bear does NOT let anyone get away with that. I am my children's advocate and I'll be darned if some nasty kid(s) is going to ruin my children's good time. You know?

But when it comes to neighborhood kids in my house? I try to let the kids work it out on their own.

Big Sister: Ash? We're going to play hide-n-seek!

Little Sister: But I don't want to. I want to color.

Big Sister: Okay. Well first you need to play hide-n-seek with us.

Little Sister: No.

Big Sister: Well, if you don't play with us then you're not allowed to use all of the Princess' art supplies.

Little Sister: Oh...okay...

Yup. This discussion happened just a couple minutes ago. The older sister was making rules for her little sister. And I totally stayed out of it. Because I'm not going to mess with sibling dynamics. No way. No how.