[Alamo-Girl]

There is a lesson I learned from being a mother that I think applies to any situation where someone is acting up. It would apply no matter the subject or which side of an issue they might take or the age of the person involved.

It concerns parental survival in what is called "the terrible twos" when children are fearlessly pushing the boundaries, i.e. just plain acting up.

Ignore them.

Reacting at all, whether positively or negatively, encourages a repeat performance. No reaction at all lets him know that he cannot manipulate you.

[tacticalogic]

Reacting at all, whether positively or negatively, encourages a repeat performance. No reaction at all lets him know that he cannot manipulate you.

I understand. At the same time, I think you can understand why someone would rather not try to carry on an extended, serious conversation in a roomful of two year olds.