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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
And the Most Annoying Sibling Award goes to …
Merriam-Webster.com defines “antagonist” as one that contends with or opposes another: an adversary or opponent; and an “instigator” as a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent (and always manages to be innocently standing by).
Both of these definitions also display a photograph of my 5-year-old son, Nick (OK, not really, but they should).
This child of mine takes the cake when it comes to the Annoying Sibling Awards.
My own brother even had to relinquish his Lifetime Achievement Award to Nick.
I try to keep my cool when Nick is provoking his older brother, but the flashbacks from my own childhood are just too much for me to muster.
“Nick, stop it already! You are bugging ME!”
Of course, this only encourages Mr. Funny-Man to continue his said behavior. I then attempt to just ignore him - as does Noah, but Nick is relentless.
I often feel empathy towards my older son and commend him for his patience, but Nick has figured out that if he wants something from Noah, persistence is the answer; as Noah - having reached his max-capacity for irritation - will eventually cave in just to get Nick to stop whatever he is doing.
Thus, I have to intervene again and reprimand Nick for his tactics - although they are clever.
I prayed for guidance in how to handle this ever-increasing problem with sibling rivalry and my prayer was answered with the arrival of a baby sister last year.
“How is that an answer?” you ask.
Baby Sister, now 13-month old and mobile, is very nosy.
She has a special affinity for hand-held gaming devices, whatever snack is within reach and for being in her brothers’ room making messes.
Nick is getting a dose of his own medicine.
If only I had a dime for every time I’ve now heard, “Mom! Sissy is bothering me!”
“Get used to it. She’ll be doing it until you move out.”
I confess, I find some satisfaction in knowing Nick is on the receiving end of the sibling dispute for a change.
Not because I enjoy seeing my son unhappy, but because it gives me a great example to use when he starts bugging his brother.
“Remember how you felt when Sissy took your toy/put her fingers in your food/ripped your book? That is how Noah is feeling now. Please find something else to do.”
As for what I’m going to do when Sissy is honing in on Nick’s Annoying Sibling award - I think I’d better start praying now.
Email this contributing writer at Motherhoodcolumn@yahoo.com.
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