The Debate Team

This week has been hard.

My stress levels are higher than they have been in a long time. There are lots of things to do, things to plan, cookies to sell, homework to do, groceries to buy and bills to pay. Of course as my stress levels rises and my to-do list gets longer the little things going on in my house are amplified.

Of course the "new" car is sucking money and time like crazy. Just add that to my money stress and not enough time stress. If I hear about one more thing that needs to be bought for that car....

But what is really hitting a new high, is the amount of arguing between us and the girls. EVERY SINGLE thing I ask them to do is somehow up for debate, or at sometimes totally vetoed. If I tell one to "go get a jacket" I get the response "I don't need one". Last night we were 20 minutes late to church and our world religion class. As we rushed to get the girls out the door I said "go get into my car".  I was immediately bombarded with whining and asking if we could go in Dad's car.

The worst is telling them to take a shower. This is when their debate skills really shine. They will attempt to argue their way into postponing a shower, or better yet, getting out of it all together. The amount of time they spend arguing is longer than it takes to take an actual shower. It is maddening!

I finally hit a wall and had to have a talk with the girls. I had to remind them how hectic my days are. I had to remind them that I have reasons behind every decision I make. I had to remind them that not all things are up for debate. I had to remind them that I am the supreme ruler of our house and what I say goes. I asked them to please, as a way to make my life easier to....

just....

do....

what....

I.....

ask.

I don't remember if I ever was like this with my Mom. I hope I wasn't. If I was I owe her times infinity.