Family Dynamics

I've always been aware how the addition or subtraction of one person to a group can completely change the dynamics in a group.  However, to see it in action among my own children is always an astounding thing.

My Big Boy was on a "vacation" at the grandparents over the weekend.  Sunday was like heaven around here.  The Middle Child and Baby Girl got along....All.Day.Long.  There was no fighting, no arguing, no tackling body slams.  There was no whining, no screaching, no yelling at any time.  By them OR by me!  That is right folks...I made it through an entire day without yelling at my kids once.  It was an astounding revelation.  I'm not sure it has ever happened before! 

Last night was topped off with a "camp out" in the basement.  The Middle Child and Baby Girl set up their sleeping bags on the pull out couch, stayed up late watching a movie and some TV and then curled up and slept like angels.

Watching Monsters Vs. Aliens

Sleeping like angels.

 Listen carefully and you can hear their soft snoring.

Flash forward to 2:30pm this afternoon when we picked up the Big Boy.  We weren't in the car for 5 full minutes when the teasing, the yelling, the screaching, and the screaming started.  I joined in on the screaming.  Sigh....it was such a lovely day yesterday. 

After dinner tonight I pointed out how yesterday was so quiet and lacked fighting.  Big Boy replied "but isn't it always peaceful when The Middle Child is gone?  Isn't it always nice when Baby Girl is gone?" .  Yes, it is.  Just removing one child from the mix completely changes the dyanamics.  If only we could make the dynamics a bit more peacefull when we are all present and accounted for!  I'm constantly working on that one!