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2002-04-02 - 1:18 p.m.
One seven year old girl (for example, Sister) One twelve year old girl (for example, Day-Hay) One fourteen year old girl (for example, Kat) Assorted adult family members who have temporarily had enough of children A little cash Pizza (just plain cheese so all children are equally unhappy at not getting their favorite topping but are equally willing to eat it---not the only olives that one child wants, the only pepperoni the other likes, or any such) Soda pop A nice quiet, reasonably fancy but not so fancy you must really dress up, restaurant 1. Ask twelve year old girl and fourteen year old girl how they intend to split babysitting duties. Hope answers match. If answers do not match, negotiate. If answers match, remind them of mutually agreed upon answers. Pat self on back if this step takes less than fifteen minutes. 2. Inform all children of decision about what type of pizza. Listen to whining but not very closely and for no more than a minute. 3. Inform all children about the varieties of soda pop available. Listen to whining but not very closely and for no more than a minute. (Are you seeing a pattern here?) 4. Reiterate for twelve year old girl and fourteen year old girl how they have agreed to split the babysitting chores. Remind them that pay depends upon not only the quality of care but the absence of arguing. 5. Make day of seven year old girl by giving her permission---nay, giving her the duty---of tattling on twelve year old girl and fourteen year old girl if they fight with each other. Keep seven year old girl alive by reminding twelve year old girl and fourteen year old girl that both pay and staying on Mama�s good side are dependent upon the safety of life and limb of said seven year old girl. 6. Organize adults to leave. This step may feel as though one is roping spiders but press ahead anyway. 7. Relax and have nice dinner with adult conversation. 8. Return, pay twelve year old and fourteen year old, reward seven year old for her report that no fighting occurred, pat yourself on the back, and say, "Whew!"  |
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