Cousin Conflict

As you can see from the pictures above Anden and Tylan are not as sweet as pie to each other anymore. It is interesting that this summer their relationship has turned somewhat into a tumultuous relationship. Long are the days when Anden and Ty used to lovingly share toys and hugs with each other. Perhaps it is just being two and three years of age or they are just tired of always being with each other. But whatever it is, a referee is needed when the two of them are together. Anden has learned tactful ways of retaliating such as running to mom, quickly snatching a toy when Ty isn’t looking, or just plain slapping or punching him. I do not condone any of these strategies (especially the last one considering Ty is probably going to take Anden 9 out of 10 times since he has a few more pounds on him). I would prefer Anden learn to work out disagreements and share his toys but a two year old just doesn’t think about positive conflict resolution! But these little spats between Anden and Ty have gotten my wheels turning and I just started realizing how praying for family relationships should start now when they are young. My sister Amber and I fought probably 90% of the time we were together. Now, we are the best of friends but back and the day my poor parents had to constantly intervene between are hair pulling fights over who was going to wear the jean skirt that we both claimed was ours. Despite Anden and Ty’s conflict, Anden always thanks God for Tylan before he goes to bed every night! And I am praying the verse over Anden and Ty’s relationship that “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov. 27:17.