The justified battle

Like most people, I feel like I spend my days trying to convince my children to do what I want them to do. This is especially true of Max, who has been known to climb into our car in his underwear because he refuses to get dressed.

Most days I feel like I'm picking justified battle after justified battle. So to say I spend most of my day fighting with Max would be a bit of an understatement.

I recently realized the folly in my thinking. When I'm fighting with my son over his schoolwork or chores or whatever, I'm not really fighting with him. I'm fighting for him.

I've engaged in a timeless battle that most parents choose to fight for their children. It's not about whether they're wearing appropriate clothing, or practicing healthy habits. It's about whether they are willing to recognize authority and obey without drama.

So later on this afternoon, when Max insists that it is ok to poke his brother until he explodes in an angry fit, I'm not going to argue with him. I'm going to argue with the angry beast (the one who tries to convince my son to pick on people) over whether he can control my son or not.

Today I'm choosing not to fight with my son, instead I'll be fighting for him. What a justified battle that will be.

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