Chapter 9: The Sibling Justice System
Scene: The Living Room Courtroom
Colonel Mustard (the Common Sense Condiment) presides over a makeshift courtroom constructed from couch cushions and stuffed animals. Two Kids, siblings, stand on opposite sides, arms crossed and glaring. Across from them, Judge Blame Game, the official representative of the International Idiocracy of Sibling Disputes, wields a gavel and a stack of "He Started It" defense manuals.
Colonel Mustard:
Order! Today we settle disputes in the Sibling Justice System. Judge Blame Game, you're accused of perpetuating the "He Started It" defense and failing to deliver fair verdicts. How do you plead?
Judge Blame Game:
Guilty as charged! The "He Started It" defense is the cornerstone of sibling law. Without it, chaos reigns.
Kid 1:
Objection! "He started it" doesn't solve anything. It just makes everyone madder.
Kid 2:
Yeah! And what if both of us started it? Does that mean we both get punished forever?
Colonel Mustard:
Excellent points. Judge Blame, how do you handle cases where blame is shared or unclear?
Judge Blame Game:
We usually call it a draw and send both kids to their rooms.
Kid 1:
So the solution to every fight is timeout? That's like using a hammer for every problem—even when you need a screwdriver.
Kid 2:
Sometimes we just want someone to listen, not send us away.
Colonel Mustard:
Classic Idiocracy move: punishment over understanding. Judge Blame, do you have a better system?
Judge Blame Game:
Well, no. But I do have a manual on "How to Win Arguments Without Getting Grounded."
Kid 1:
Maybe the real problem is that no one teaches us how to talk it out.
Kid 2:
Yeah! Like, why don't we have a sibling peace treaty or something?
Colonel Mustard:
Kid, what's your solution to the sibling justice system?
Kid 1:
Create rules that make sense. Like, no hitting, no name-calling, and if you start a fight, you have to help fix it.
Kid 2:
And maybe have a "cool down" zone where we can chill before things get crazy.
Judge Blame Game:
Sounds complicated. Kids just want to fight and then forget about it.
Kid 1:
Maybe adults want that too—because it's easier than dealing with feelings.
Colonel Mustard:
Final verdict: The sibling justice system needs a major upgrade. Punishment alone doesn't work. Communication, empathy, and real consequences do.
Judge Blame Game:
Can I keep my gavel?
Kid 2:
Only if you promise to use it for peace, not war.
Colonel Mustard:
Case closed! Remember, siblings fight because they care. Teach them to fight fair, listen, and make up—and you'll have a family that wins.
Later, the siblings are seen negotiating toy sharing with smiles. Judge Blame Game practices mediation techniques. Colonel Mustard nods approvingly.
Colonel Mustard (voiceover):
Sibling fights are inevitable, but how we handle them is a choice. Choose wisely, and peace will reign.