There are *some* things about which I don’t mind my children ratting on each other: if one of them deliberately, maliciously hurts the other (or Lord, please no — someone else), or if the behavior will result in a co-pay and stitches. However, as of late, my five year old has decided it is *her* job to provide a running narrative of her brother’s activity. It is obvious by her tone that this more than mere commentary; she’s perfected the art of tattling.

New rule? For every one thing LittleBit tattles, she has to tell me *three* good things about her beloved brother.

Three.

Do you know how long it can take for one surreptitiously prattling kindergartner to think of THREE nice things to say about the target of her criticism?

Yep. About that long.

Works for me. to find out what else works.