A few days before school got out I had a nice talk with the kids about transition time. I explained that our family all had troubles with transitions, that it often led to temper tantrums, slamming of doors, and telling Mommy everything in the world was her fault. I asked them what I could do--like set up play dates--that would help ease the transition and asked them to be prepared for these feelings. I then set up 4 play dates for David and ok'd Rose to have an overnight. The day after school got out Rose stomped around the house, yelled at David, insisted everything was unfair, refused to go to a party, complained bitterly about David getting first choice picking out the cookie cutters for the party that she refused to go to, and after at least an hour of calm moderate behavior on my part, accused me of having been mean to her all day.

David wants to help set the Christmas table. I offer him jobs. He chooses instead to straighten the cloth from underneath the table while the dishes are on it.

I have offered to make tea for the children. I get out the fancy mugs, the fancy sugar, the fancy spoons. I steep it in boiling water and then add cold water to bring it to the perfect temperature. I deliver it to the table and David says, "You couldn't even put the lid on the pot?" (John pointed out that David is only 7 and doesn't realize how rude that was. I thought perhaps someone should teach him immediately.)

The children are bouncing off the walls with excitement and energy. I tell them they must go outside and get some exercise. They say no.

We walk into the store to buy David new underpants. He immediately starts requesting every item he sees. Some of them are even good ideas. I say no and get us out.