I am usually pretty serious.  Not much makes me really laugh out loud, but twice today I caught myself laughing when I DEFINITELY should not... 

 

Help me decide...  were they (the children, of course) being playful or rebellious?

 

Scenario #1:

 

The older children were washing dinner dishes.  My husband picked up a supposedly clean pan and asked Jordan, "Were you going to put this pan away like this?  Would YOU want to eat off it?" 

 

Jordan quipped, "Oh, I was just TESTING you!  YOU passed!  A +!!!!" 

 

I just busted out laughing!   I know I should not encourage that, but it just struck me as being very funny!

 

Then, just a few moments ago my husband told the children to go to bed.  It was 8:00...  BEDTIME.  Ian ran out of the room and then back into the room just a minute later with a piece of paper with a digital looking #6 written on it.  He taped it onto the clock in the living room (on the VCR) and exclaimed, "BEDTIME?  But it's only 6:02!" 

 

Again, without warning, laughter just bubbled up before I could check myself. 

 

Even my scowling husband looked like he might smirk! 

 

So what do you think?  Would you have laughed?  Should I have?  How do you respond to the little comedic attempts at disobedience? 

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Comments

Posted by Victorious

I'm sure I would have laughed too. I have a hard time keeping a straight face when the kids are funny or cute at times like that. Of course that doesn't mean it's right, but it also isn't neccessarily wrong. Some people I'm sure would disagree, but I think it's okay (not *good*, just "okay") if kids crack jokes like that (during discipline) now and then. You have to give them grace sometimes. But if it was a consistent, every day thing, then I would definitely do something about it, though. Hope this makes sense. It's late here and I'm tired!
Blesings ~ Diane

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Posted by Fiffi

Sounds like you have your hands full with those little jokesters! I DO NoT entertain rebellion at all,....but I think your kids are just trying to make you laugh and have a bit of fun! My 8 year old is always trying to prove how clever and funny he is with his actions and words!
Thanks for sharing.... that was funny!
Fiffi

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Posted by Jocelyndixon

Im gelir ceni ad líne (I am happy to see you again)
Well, I'm back... sorry, I couldn't blog but was happy to see your comments! To find out why I was gone for a WHOLE week (YIKES) - read my latest post: I'm Still A "Little Woman"

Mára mesta,

Edhël ó Loriën

Daughter of JacqueDixon, and sister of SuperAngel, Tigerlily the Hobbit and Young Man in Training

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Posted by mumof5

I think once in awhile I would just take it as funny. If they started making a habit out of it often instead of doing what they are told - then I would let them know that funny isn't a substitute for obeying. I think it would become obvious if they were using it to get out of doing things all the time. For now - I think a good laugh is heart healthy :)

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Posted by arajbrown

And I really believe a rebellious heart in a child is a most dangerous thing. We do a lot of joking around at our house. When I'm not sure whether AJ is being rebellious I try to look at the event in this way: did he voice displeasure/disagreement or did he resist/refuse my direction? It's not sin to not want to go to bed at 8 or miss a spot on one pot... it's sin to not go to bed at 8 or to refuse to rewash an item. And, it's a sin to argue and complain about it. But, to make a joke out of it and then go ahead and do it?? I think there's an element of quick thinking and problem-solving here!! Maybe you could call it school!

Blessings!

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Posted by SarahLynne

Sounds like your kids have a great sense of humor! LOL I'd probably laugh and just reinforce that they still have to do the things that they're joking about and of course watch out if it continues to be a problem.

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Posted by Anonymous

Thank you for the comment...
I don't have any snowflake material (I thought I did) I will have to see what I can come up with, I got an idea in my head though but will probably make a few different styles then if you want you can choose which one you like best.
I do have snowman on a tan background with specks that resemble snowflakes.
Anyways I will see what I can do...I need to save up some more money.
Thank you for the idea.
<3 Christina

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Posted by SheilaG

I agree with Sarah Lynn. You laugh because it's funny. Laughter brings the household together. There's nothing wrong with that. But then you enforce the consequences anyway.

One thing I've also done is to "bless" my children's gifts and pray that God will channel them in a good direction. When you're praying with your kids at night, lay your hands on them and say, "Jesus, thank you so much for the sense of humour you have given my boys. Thank you that they bless the world with laughter wherever they go. I pray that you will channel their sense of humour into a way that consistently glorifies you, that you can use them to bring healing through laughter to many hurting hearts. Amen." Or something like that. You're affirming a real gifting God has given them, but you're reinforcing that it has to be used properly, and only God can really help them with that.

But don't stop laughing, either. :).

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Posted by smlltwnmmmy

It was perfectly okay for you to laugh! As Moms, we tend to be way too serious and unbending...sometimes we should just drop it, lighten up, and enjoy the humorous side that God gave to each of us! Even He has a sense of humor! I think what your kids did was so cute and creative...be glad they have quick, creative minds! :0) Brandi

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Posted by http://www.julie-realitycheck.blogspot.com/

As a non-parent, I can't really offer advise, but I know it's sometimes hard not to laugh when kids do something funny, even if it is a little naughty! But it is also sometimes better to laugh than to get angry over the small things (as you know, of course!).
Have a great day! :)

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Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

All don't (anymore) worry about all the little day-to-day things Marissa does. I know that she has voluntarily submitted to being mentored by me. So, I let a poorly washed dish slip because most days she does a great job... and I sometimes miss a spot on a pan. And the clock thing was just silliness. I would have never thought of doing that. Creativity!!

Thank you for your prayers around my adoption. You can let your kids know that their prayers have been answered again. Because I am sane now! That peace that passes understanding and any good news coming from Haiti has returned ~

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