When you're contending with traffic congestion, nothing adds fuel to the fire like the bickering of your children. Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot you can do to stop the madness while trying to navigate a two-ton vehicle... or is there? There are actually safe ways to contend with car controversy without losing your cool. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that no argument is worth jeopardizing the safety of your family. So here are some great ways to get control of the situation. If your children refuse to call a cease fire, pull over. This is an ideal way to drive home the point. If you're on the highway, get off at the next ramp. Find a safe place where you can park it. Don't say a word. Pull out a book, your checkbook or a list and act as if nothing is wrong. When the children begin to question you, tell the kids they should let you know when they're finished arguing so you can continue driving.
If your children are complaining because they don't want to run errands, tell them for every complaint, you'll add another errand to the list. They'll be less inclined to cause a commotion if they know it's going to cost them more time in the car. Take a pause for the cause. Remain calm. Count to three out loud. If the fighting doesn't stop, turn the car around and go home. This will be especially effective if you were headed somewhere the children wanted to go. Do not get overemotional. Don't yell. Don't scream. If the argument is over the radio or a DVD player, turn off the source immediately. Explain that they'll be no music or DVDs until the bickering stops. After a few times, your child will get the message that arguing, complaining and distracting Mom in the vehicle is a no-go.