"Mom!! He's Breathing on Me!"

The other day while my children were playing together, my son innocently leaned over my daughter to reach for something and she actually uttered the words, "Logan's breathing on me!!!"...really?? I was speechless for a second as I remembered saying those very words to my brother years ago. Sadly, time doesn't change sibling rivalry and although we teach our kids to love one another and be kind, our sage advice usually goes in one ear and out the other. Unfortunately, kids are going to be kids. They are going to fight and argue over things whenever possible. But siblings also form a bond like no other. Jovie might hit her brother at home and forbid him from touching her stuff but the second we step foot on the playground and someone comes too close, the mama lion comes out. She is the first to defend her brother, to grab his hand when we cross the street and is always a helping hand when it's time to take him potty, put on his shoes or console him when he's crying. And those moments are priceless.
I think I'll take the bad and the ugly: the loud, escalating shouting matches over x-men toys and the pushing, shoving, biting, scratching...in exchange for all the good. This morning as the kids were snuggled on the couch, I sat down and asked if they wanted me to read to them and Jovie politely pushed me aside saying "Mommy,we're having Jovie and Logan time..." enough said. Each time she morphs into mommy mode, I feel like we're taking a step in the right direction. She's learning how to nurture, comfort and share.
On those days when you don't feel like you can take another minute of your kid's naughty behavior, just remember, every day is a day closer to a better relationship, a friendship between your kids. It's happening right under your nose in those little moments. Cherishe them and foster them. Don't feel like you have to step in and help because before you know it, that moment will be gone and they'll be back to fighting in no time!