Tonight we have had tears at bedtime. We are not talking about the well known book or the Elvis Costello song, no we have had tears, in stereo I might add, from the 7 month year old and the nearly 7 year old. (my lovely other half stood on the landing between the two rooms pretending to "conduct" the chorus of cries!)

The little one just simply didnt want to go to sleep and the big one wanted to snuggle in my bed and watch her new favourite show, The Voice, before going to sleep. Usually I would give in as its the weekend but today my patience has been tested by not being listened to over and over and over again. I am generally quite laid back and like to think of myself as firm but fair but I also dont want to suddenly wake up one day and realise that one is 17 and one is 11 years old and they still dont listen to me. So tonight we have had tough love, early to bed, no programmes, no chatting - just bed.

High drama ensued .... of course!

So I am sitting here, not watching The Voice (as I will undoubtedly let her watch it on demand in the morning and I dont want to watch it twice) and I am resolute that she needs to learn but sad that she has gone to bed in tears. Both of my girls have strong personalities in different ways and I dont want to crush that strength but they have to know that mummy knows best.

My children are a gift that I am thankful for every day and whilst they may not be thanking me this evening, hopefully one day they will understand that the only voice worth listening to, is mine!

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