If only it were that easy to stay out of arguments with my kids ...
“What part of ‘We’re not having this discussion!’ didn’t you understand?”
Unfortunately, although one can log off the computer and walk away, the children follow you around the house, saying the same thing over and over again until you’re ready to put them in the freezer.
This is true. I only had to do it with two. (But I got them when they were 10 and 12, so their behavior patterns were set by their birth mom. I use that as the excuse, anyway). Now that I have an empty nest, I have more control over the quiet level at home!
Depending on age, temperament, personality and the situation . . .
SOMETIMES . . .
it’s worth taking their hands in yours, looking them sqaurely, firmly, lovingly in the eye and saying something like:
“This discussion is now over. I do not want to hear another word about it for at least 24 hours. You may write further thoughts in your journal. Do not show me your journal for 24 hours. If you violate this instruction, there will be significant consequences. When I finish talking in the next few sentences, the only thing I want to hear out of your mouth on this topic is “Yes Mamm.” I’m finished.”
I can tell you from personal experience that if you drink enough Guinness, you become invisible. Unfortunately, you also become a bit deaf which is how they usually find you...