Odd And Even

Odd and Even

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

As teens, Jay and Holly argued over whose turn it was to sit in the front seat. In fact, they’d sprint the last few yards toward the car door and, according to their self-imposed rule, yell, “Mine!”

But allowing that action merely caused more arguments, so I came up with the idea of “Odd and Even.” Jay was born October 5, so on the odd-numbered days of the month, he sat up front. Holly was born February 18, so on the even-numbered days it was her turn to sit up front. We also used that schedule to determine who would be the main dinner-and-cleanup helper. Of course, Jay quickly figured out that the months with thirty-one days gave him an extra day of work. But I quickly pointed out it also gave him the opportunity to sit in the front seat two days in a row.

Somehow we got through those years, and Jay and Holly grew into fine young adults. But they remembered. In fact, once, when they were both home for a college break, we decided to go out to dinner together in my car. As we entered the garage, both suddenly lunged toward the front car door, calling, “Mine!” Jay won, but they took a moment to grin at each other as friends, remembering those long-ago days when they had raced for the front seat in earnest competition.

Now, perhaps the “Odd and Even” system won’t work in your family. So come up with an idea that will. You might start by asking your children for their ideas. Believe me, there is a solution. —SANDRA

Lord, help us to seek your answers to typical child-rearing challenges. Then help us to be creative and fun as we apply your solutions to each situation.

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. —JAMES BALDWIN (1924–1987), AMERICAN WRITER