They think we live in a musical

I planted a seed and did  little to encourage it to grow.

First, we showed the children this clip from Annie Get Your Gun.

Parents, please review before showing to children.  The pictures in the sidebar are not always appropriate.****

Then, we watched the whole movie later.  In recent weeks, we have also watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Sound of Music again.  Then I kind of jokingly suggested that there should be no arguments in our house that are not sung. 

There were a few laughing reminders “Children, you are not singing.”  And Sid and I sang a few silly arguments.  But all was done in a joking manner.  No hard rules were laid down.

Then last week I overheard the boys talking.  It sounded like they were slipping into an argument.  Note that my definition of an argument is about any contradiction of another person that has little purpose or value.  I think most contradictions, even gentle ones, stem from the contradictor’s pride and desire to be “right.”  I’m kind of picky about it, but I like for the kids to recognize their motivations BEFORE it ever gets to the point of a heated, raised voice.

Just as I was about to draw the boys’ attention to the direction their conversation was going, they broke into song . . . . . .  . .

“YES, you arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

“Nooooooooooo, I’m noooooooooooot.”

And this week the girls have sung arguments over whether Rachel is allowed to remove knives from the dishwasher and who was going to use the dustpan to sweep up their chocolate zucchini muffin crumbs from the floor.

I think they get it.

Although, I think there will be more arguments in the house now.  They are finding it too much fun to argue in song, and with such sweet, charming voices raised, I can hardly complain about that.