The Tattleling Game.

Ahh, kids. They are wonderful when they can play nicely together. Sharing toys and smiling with their little cherub faces. Blissfully independent together so the mommies can step away for that glass of wine, or to fold that laundry we have been meaning to fold. It is at that moment when suddenly mommy is doing something other then watching their every move that it begins. The Tattleing Game. The game goes like this: MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM. MAHHM! MAH! "What is it honey" SO AND SO LOOKED AT ME! "Okay ask them nicely not to do that." The door slams and we hear: MY MOM SAID YOU CANT LOOK AT ME! I TOLD ON YOU. That is not at all what we said but okay, conflict resolved for about 30 seconds until the next child comes to tell us something else not harmful happened. It happens every time, with every child skipping off, impressed with themselves for their attempts to get others in trouble. It puts us in a dilemma because on one hand, its important that our kids feel like they can come to us if someone is hurting them, Emotionally or physically. On the other hand its important that they learn to work things out themselves and not bother us with their stupid shit. especially when they are having a whiney over-sensitive day. How does one find a healthy balance? What is the best way to explain the difference between being a tattle tale and being vigilant in informing an adult when something really is wrong.Our rule is unless anyone is bleeding, or doing something unsafe then they need to work it out themselves.