As a referee

I'm a big believer in helping my children become independent as early as possible,This includes problem solving.

When the boys have and argument I usually tell them "Figure it out yourselves" and let it go until it is resolved or I really need to step in, which is almost never.

But when it comes to blows that's it ,I have to step in. We DO NOT TOLERATE using your hands as weapons.

The conflict was as follows.
The kitchen had to be cleaned so I told the boys "Once that episode is done you need to pause the TV and clean the the kitchen,I don't care who does what but it needs to be cleaned" AJ wanted to unload the dishwasher and put the dishes away not wanting to mess with nasty dishes.Michael was not happy that he beat him to it so the argument started.

Abraham was holding on strong about not needing his help and he can do it all by himself and Michael wanted to help him to do it.

After a few minutes of arguing Abraham got mad and punched Michael.

Abraham's looked on his face when he realized what he had done and that I had seen the whole thing was priceless.

So I had to step in and pull out the "red card"

"Abraham you've had just gone over the top, you want to do it all by yourself then the entire kitchen is all yours and your room YOU DID NOT HAVE TO PUT YOUR HANDS ON YOUR BROTHER you have to learn to control yourself "

"Michael you should of walked away when he told you he did not need your help,to the laundry room 6 loads to be folded and sorted out."

After is all cool off and they've had time to think about their actions. It's time to work together.

We have a new ministry starting that consist of boxes and boxes of baby items donations. And they need to be sorted out by size ....Perfect project for 2 little boys that need to get along..let the sorting begin!!

And once again we have peace at home and I'm enjoying the laughter and silliness of my Boys who love each other.