Today, as I prepare to visit my daughter in Portland, I find it hard to believe she’s already graduated from college and is embarking on her own journey in the world. While packing, nostalgic memories of her childhood wash over me, making me a bit teary. How did she get to be 22 so quickly?
Then, a specific memory surfaced—one of my proudest moments as a parent that shifted my perspective and made me stand a little taller. It was a typical evening in our kitchen, and my daughter Emma, then in first or second grade, was having a blast saying the word “Shih Tzu.” She was thrilled to have discovered a cheeky way to use a word that sounded like “shit” without actually saying it.
After hearing her giggle and repeat “Shih Tzu” countless times, I finally intervened.
“Emma, that was amusing at first, but let’s stop now, okay?”
“Stop what? Saying ‘Shih Tzu’?”
“Yes, that’s right. No more.”
“Are you serious?”
“If you repeat it one more time, you’re going to bed at 8:30.”
At this moment, my son Jake, who was two years older, perked up with interest.
“Mom, you’re not really going to make her go to bed at 8:30, are you?”
As the tension in the room grew, I realized I was at a crossroads. I had often threatened to take away privileges but had never followed through. My kids knew their screens were safe, and I was not the “mean parent.”
With Emma dancing in glee, and Jake watching me closely, I could feel the pressure mounting. I had to decide if I would teach them that actions have consequences or if I would back down yet again.
In that split second, I noticed Jake subtly nodding in encouragement.
“Emma, you will be going to bed at 8:30,” I asserted firmly.
“You don’t mean it. I promise I won’t say it again!”
“I do mean it. You’ve had your warnings.”
With that, she burst into tears and ran from the room, exclaiming, “I can’t believe you’re making me go to bed at 8:30!”
I glanced at Jake, who was grinning from ear to ear. “Way to go, Mom! I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”
That night was an eye-opener for all of us. I learned the importance of consistency and following through on promises, which led to my kids finally taking my words seriously. From that day forward, I was a more reliable parent, and my children understood that their actions had real consequences.
Now, Emma works with dogs and focuses on obedience training; I can only imagine her emphasizing the value of consistency and follow-through in her job. It seems the lesson truly resonated with all of us.
If you’re interested in further insights about parenting and life lessons, check out this post on Intracervical Insemination Blog.
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