Mission Impossible theme plays. You sense the tension mounting. It’s only a matter of time. This thing is going to blow. Take cover!
Okay.
Okay? That’s it? This house is about to self-destruct in an epic way and you come back with “OKAY”?
Okay.
What does that even mean? Aren’t you going to intervene? DO SOMETHING!
Okay.
There you go again, just calmly sitting there. We want to see some action. Panic. Even a raised heart rate. GIVE US SOME REACTION, WOMAN.
Okay.
________________
It has taken me years to get to this point, and I sometimes still fall into the snare that those little tyrants set, trying to pull me into the dark abyss that is “Their Problem”. I am mostly certain that this technique evolved out of inertia, nay laziness, but it works. Trust me.
He took more chips than me.
Okay.
He won’t pass the grapes.
Okay.
He called me a dummy.
Okay.
She’s breathing on me.
Okay.
It’s my turn to choose a show/use the iPad/sit in the front/
Okay.
He didn’t take the one he touched.
Okay.
This mustard is too spicy.
Okay.
He pointed at me.
Okay.
He picked his nose.
Okay (but wash your hands, that’s gross).
He peed on the floor.
Okay. Wait, what? (there are some exceptions).
For added effect, just shrug without making eye contact. You’ll foster more resiliency, problem-solving skills in your children, and your wine budget line will decrease significantly. It’s science.
Okay?
Okay.
_________
*This technique also works with adults, but with varying results. More testing is needed.
Tough Bananas 
Love it. It keeps the heart rate down and leaves you with energy to focus on more important issues! 🙂
Totally. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.