Never Underestimate a Child's Desire to Hit a Sibling

The kids’ latest game is the Boop Game. This involves hitting a sibling, saying “boop” in a cute, high-pitched voice, and giggling. The kids think this is great fun, even though they hit each other hard. They rear back for a full-force open-hand blow that creates a thud heard across the room. The ferocity of the hit alarms me, although not always the recipient, but I can’t convince them to stop.

If I say, “No more hitting,” they ignore me.

If I say, “No more games,” they repeat me and continue booping.

If I say, “No more booping,” they laugh uproariously. When they make me say, “boop,” that’s when they win apparently.