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Some of you might know that I am new here so today was the first time I got a chance to check out *Weekly Featured Contents*. Today's prompt got me thinking for a long time. I couldn't think of a single incident when I had to act as mediator or even if there was such a time then I was unable to recall the details. I was on the verge of skipping the idea of participating when I heard sounds of shouting and wailing. 

Those screams turned on the light bulb in my mind. In that moment, I knew what my subjects are going to be for this topic.

I was surprised why it didn't hit me earlier, although I tell everybody that my life is nothing less than that of a referee's.


![IMG_20220927_185833.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/event-horizon/23ydCEYDDswK4L7thP9UbHexX77iRQpGsDvxW2NG4M9aKRG9mSRNY4kA6avRKcooWpfc7.jpg)


Let me introduce you to two boys who keep me on my toes and happen to be my own kids. *Kid1* is 5 years old and *Kid2* is 2 years old. Both are very young, but the age difference creates some more differences.

*Kid1* is by nature **bossy but disciplined** and *Kid2* by nature is also **bossy but naughty**. 

You see the problem? Disciplined-and-naughty and as if it wasn't enough, both decided to be bossy. First-borns are usually bossy due to multiple reasons and my second-born, *Kid2* happens to be a *Leo* - no explanation required for that Lion.

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The shouting and screaming were because *Kid1* wanted to watch ***Ryan's Toys' Review*** and *Kid2* wanted to watch ***Blippi***. *Kid2* doesn't understand the adult reasoning so *Kid1* usually sacrifices. But I'm also not in favor of *Kid1* sacrificing all the time. After all, he's a kid too. This can slowly leave a feeling of being unloved and can affect him in the longer run.

What I do is, ***I fix equal time for both***.  *Kid1* understands that he can't watch more than his allotted time, but *Kid2* doesn't understand. So here, I use the ***distraction strategy***. When it's *Kid1's* time to watch then I simply keep *Kid2* busy in other activities.

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As I write this, I am shouting at them again because of a new fight. I am human, I can't keep my cool all the time. 

Now the problem is, *Kid1* is doing his homework and *Kid2* is taking interest in his books and stationery. He took a crayon which *Kid1* dearly loves. *Kid2* isn't ready to return and *Kid1* is making a fuss out of it. He's not ready to share. 

I got angry at *Kid1* because there was no harm in sharing a crayon. But he started crying so I tried to reason with *Kid2*. To my surprise, this time he simply handed back the crayon. So, I promised him to get his own set, this way he wouldn't have to borrow from his brother. 

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There are thousands of such examples and most of my day is spent reasoning with both of them. They are nothing less than enemies during daytime but when it's bedtime, they are the best buddies, laughing and playing together. I think they just challenge my temperament. 

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I must also mention that I am not successful all the time. There are times when I am unjust to one child and favor another. It happens because they are kids and they do fight a lot over small things, and I cannot be in the best mood all the time to solve the matter in a reasonable way. But I always keep trying by making them understand whatever I decide is good for both.

I don't want them growing up feeling resentful to each other. For that at times I have to act very wisely. 

Bringing up decent kids is not a cup of tea, my friends.

*A tired mommy!*

<sup>Note: The picture is captured and edited by me.</sup>
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