Nice change of pace

For all the time I spend pissing and moaning about how awful the sibling relations are in this house, I need to share some good news as well. For the last week, Jack has really calmed down. We have had several days without any hitting or violence at all. We've had lots of sharing and playing nicely and tickling and kisses.

I'm not sure what precipitated this change. It could be the spankings I administered (I jest! No spanking here.) or the change in the weather, allowing us to get outside and get a lot more fresh air. It could be him chilling out a little or me paying more attention to everyone and heading off negative energy before it manifests itself as a problem.

I don't mind saying I don't know what changed. But I am thrilled and pleased with the way things are going.

You can check out my soon-to-be-published parenting book, "How to Get Your Kid To Stop Hitting His Sister Without Knowing What You Did," at a bookstore near you soon. It will include little gems like, "Offer a special snack if he withdraws his hand from a fist" and "Go to the park, even if it's raining, if you suspect aggression is running high."

Best-seller, for sure.