Ask Rene:
These Kids Are Driving Me Crazy!

Dear Rene:

I have a 9-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter and as much as I love them they’re driving me freaking crazy!

They argue all the time about the smallest things – who gets to push the shopping cart, who controls the remote, what to order on the pizza… and when we’re out driving is the worst – it turns into World War 3 on the back seat and I’m forever getting into near misses as I’m so distracted….

I know you have a son and daughter with a similar age difference so I’d love to hear your thoughts on how I can keep the peace and maintain my sanity!

Thanks GEM!
Lynn, Colorado

Hi Lynn:

You’re gonna have to use all the tools in your arsenal for the issues you mention as one size will not fit all here. But here are a few tricks I use.

THE PIZZA

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Oh, honey that’s easy. Two kids, let them choose what toppings go on THEIR SIDE OF THE PIZZA. VIOLA! This works, unless it’s a store bought job in which case I order the combo and let the kid who wanted pepperoni only, pick everything but that off!