Everyone knows that one person who purports to know everything, or who has done everything, or has experienced everything – at least, everything that you, yourself, currently know or are doing or are experiencing. Except know-it-alls usually know it better, or have done it before you, or have experienced it much worse than you have. Do you know whom I’m talking about? If you aren’t thinking of the know-it-all in your life right now, then you might be the know-it-all. I sure hope not.
I’ve had the great fortune to only know a few know-it-alls in my life. And I’ve also had the misfortune to not be very good at knowing how to deal with know-it-alls. I tend to either smile and nod (but scream inside), or run and hide (still screaming inside). I’m an introvert anyway, so confrontation is not my thing.
So when I’ve just told you that I’m tired because one of my kids was up all night vomiting, and you counter with your story of how your kid was up every night for a WEEK vomiting, and then you start talking about your child’s projectile vomiting reflex and going into gruesome detail about every single thing you had to wash/sterilise/throw away, here is a little glimpse into what I’m thinking as I smile and nod:
1. All I was looking for you to say was, “Hey, that sucks, hope you get some rest soon.” 2. Why didn’t you take your kid to the hospital if they were vomiting that much? Seriously. 3. Actually, you’ve already told me this story twice, and every time the number of days changes – first it was the whole weekend, then it was four days, and now it’s up to a week. 4. How fast can I get out of this conversation and where can I go to hide? 5. *Silent scream*
Someone else I know calls the know-it-all type of person a “one-upper”. As in, “I see your up-all-night-with-vomiting-kid story, and I’ll raise you a weeklong vomit fest with details that would gross out an emergency room nurse.” Whatever terminology you choose, it sucks to be on the receiving end of a know-it-all’s demonstration of their skills in outdoing you.
I have no sage advice for dealing with know-it-alls. In fact, if you have some advice for ME, I’d love to hear it. But meanwhile, you’re welcome to join me in hiding. I have chocolate. We won’t talk about anything confrontational.
And if you were up all night with a vomiting child, that really sucks, and I hope you get some rest soon.
This is a true story, about an Australian mum who decided to become a surrogate for a gay male couple. It’s a very upbeat, uplifting tale, and I read it in a weekend as it wasn’t too taxing. It’s fascinating to read the details of how surrogacy works in Australia, and to hear firsthand from a surrogate what the process is and how she coped with all the emotional ups and downs. Also, I’m a sucker for stories about people’s dreams coming true, and it warmed my heart to know that she was able to give this amazing gift to two guys who just wanted to be dads.
Sometimes our children can sound like a broken record wanting and, needing everything in sight! It is times like this when can find ourselves going a bit crazy wanting to run from all the demands. One major tip to help avoid this, is teaching your child the difference between ‘want and need’. By explaining to your child there is a big difference between “I need a drink” or “I want a toy”, you will help your child understand when it’s the right time to ask for something and, hopefully will diminish the list of requirements for you!
Is your kid nose-picker?
Deal with any allergies and dehydration issues first as these can make picking seem necessary. Teach your child to use a handkerchief or tissue, as the main problem is the spreading of germs from fingers straight to the nasal cavity.
My child can’t stop saying rude words! What do I do?
As parents we all will experience our children saying rude words, whether it is as small as be saying ‘poo’, or screaming a swear word in the middle of a supermarket. No matter the circumstance, it is our job as parents to teach the child what is acceptable language to use. When your child uses these inappropriate words you can…
1. Firmly explain this is a bad word and “we don’t use that word in this house”.
2. Set a rule that if this word is used again, there will be a punishment.
3. Ask if they understand this discussion you two have just had.