The firm voice and the scowl used to work: “Kids. That is not an appropriate topic for the dinner table.”
One look at mommy, and they see, yes indeed, she is serious. I’d better stop.
But they are older now. Louder. They think things are funnier. They see each other laughing and think THAT is funny too. The noise escalates. My firm voice tries to stop it, but alas! They think that is funny too! And before I know what has happened, a deluge of out of control frivolity has taken over the dining room. Oh mothers, who among you can tame the wind?