I had just won my second straight game of Uno against Isabelle when Marc walked into our bedroom and asked Isabelle, “Did you get your books?”
“No,” she replied.
I had no idea what books he was referring to so I simply replied, “We’ve been up here playing Uno.”
I put the cards back in a pile and wrapped a rubber band around them.
I was about to shuffle the cards for another game when Marc said, “Isabelle was supposed to get her books and bring them downstairs a few minutes ago.”
“Time to go downstairs,” I replied.
“Can we play another game?” Isabelle asked.
“Nope. Maybe after you get home from dinner. But right now your job is to get your books, go downstairs, and put your shoes on for dinner.”
Like I said, I have no idea what Isabelle was supposed to do with her books. But if there is one thing I know from 9+ years of parenting is that you need to have a united front with your co-parent.
So, off Isabelle went downstairs.
{Five minutes later.}
“Where are your books?” I heard Marc ask Isabelle from downstairs.
“Oh, I left them upstairs,” she replied.
I heard footsteps going upstairs. I was curious about what could possibly be going on, but I decided to mind my own business and lay in bed instead.
Raising Literate Humans 
What a wonderful look into your journey as a mom. Nine-year-olds are not always predictable. I love the united front you share as a parent.
We try to back each other up. Lately Ari has tried to play us by saying that the other parent gave him permission to do ____, when that was never said. He is starting to realize that isn’t really working out for him since we actually talk to one another. 😂
Oh yes, united we stand! And don’t you wonder why it was so hard for her to just bring the books downstairs? 9-year-olds!
The amount of times we have to repeat things… 🤦🏼♀️
You are strong. Although, maybe at times, it must be kind of nice for Marc to have to handle certain situations right now.
Thanks, Jessica.
I’ll be honest, I miss co-parenting. The kids’ behavior has been less than stellar so it has been hard on that front too.
I can imagine. Hang in there!!!
I love how you weren’t bothered by what she had really been asked to do, but you stuck by Marc’s side. That’s the mark of good parenting, for sure. 🙂 Hope you are healing!
Slowly. I’ve been feeling a bit worse since Friday. 🙁
Yes, for sure our kids can be super annoying plus super vague about following instructions. Glad that you could maintain the co-parenting front, although it must be very frustrating at times like this not to be able to get to the bottom of the situation!
Yes, it is!
What amazing resolve you have. I don’t know that I could have done the same. You are so right on the united front. It is a hard thing to do!
My husband and I try to discuss our different perspectives on situations away from the kids. We tend to trust each other’s instinct. And when we do disagree, which does happen, we try not to do it in front of the kids. We are 90% successful with that. Like everyone, we skip up plenty.
Sounds like many conversations we’ve had over the years.
“If Dad said _____then go ___. ” Not up for debate!
We are lucky if we are part of a parenting team. You and Marc sound like a great team.
Isabelle has slowly learned that. Ari is another story… he will learn!
Your slice leaves me wanting to know what happened after…! My 9 year old knows how to test me too! Hope you are feeling better.
They went out to dinner about 15 mins later so even I’m not sure. I’m still in bed rest from the surgery.
Kids certainly have selective hearing, don’t they? It’s obvious you’re a great co-parenting team! Hope your foot is starting to feel better!
Totally selective!
Had increased pain this weekend. 🙁
Selective hearing, yes, and don’t you love it when kids play one parent against the other? That’s even happening in my classroom this year since we have 3 adults due to the needs of my cohort. I swear they answer shop!
I have a feeling that’s what’s happening here with the selective hearing too.
Distracting you with the cards! What a trick. Nine is such a fun age. I’m really enjoying it with my daughter.
Hope your leg isn’t hurting too much I’m sure everyone will be glad to have you back downstairs!
March 18th… I hope!
Did you do the paintings? They are so good! I love to draw and try my hand at watercolors from time to time, but haven’t quite mastered it yet.
I think pitting one parent against the other is as old as time. It’s amazing when the kids realize you are a united front, that you see what’s going on.
I wish I did that! I used an app called Waterlogue.
This is a slice we can relate to, there’s a team approach. She didn’t even fight it because she knew the team had spoken.
Yesssss!