OK, so I've finally cracked it. After almost 3 years of trying for something that prevents breakfast on weekdays from turning into an endless round of nagging, squabbling, kicking under the table and me ending up shouting more often than not, I've finally found something that works. My two daughters eat their food efficiently, they do not argue, fight or kick each other and all is peace and quiet. The solution?

I let them read.

This is only allowed at breakfast, never at dinner, and it doesn't apply to the weekend routine (which is quite different and involves a TV allowance). We've been going 3 weeks now and we've not had so much as a cross word - I'm still in shock.

Is this a very odd way of handling two grumpy children having breakfast at 6.30 am?

Jos

Hi,

Who is to say what is odd and what is not?   If it works for you all as a family and everyone is happy then it's a great solution.   Perhaps you'd like to come and 'Supernanny' my 7 year old son, things are getting tougher daily.

Dozey.