Outwit

So a couple weeks ago Kara announced a mandatory new seating arrangement for scripture reading. For some strange reason, when we say the words “Come for scriptures” the kids hear “Come and quarrel about where you’re sitting.” It is weird.

Tonight all was going well until Ryan suggested that Erika read third instead of Natalie because the verses were longer. This, of course, prompted Natalie to recuse herself from reading anything and to hide under a blanket.

When it was Natalie’s turn Kara insisted that she read. Natalie refused. This was a problem. These contests of will can usually outlast, I don’t know, civilization? Erika stood to leave saying, “I’m not waiting for ten minutes for Nat to read.”

This gave me an idea. I said, “Natalie, Erika doesn’t even want you to read. If you start reading, she’ll have to sit down right now.” I probably should not have resorted to the very sibling rivalry that we are trying to vanquish, but it worked! Natalie sat right up and started reading.

Score one for dad.