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.”
Good suggestion, certainly if there’s a major issue. Most of the arguments are of the “but I did the dishes last time” sort :-).