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A Fundamental Lesson in Parenting and Life: The Importance of Follow-Through
Today, I embark on a journey to visit my daughter, Emily, in Portland. It’s astonishing to think she has completed her college education and is now navigating life on her own. As I prepared for my trip, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of her childhood. How did time pass so quickly? At just 22, she has grown so much!
Reflecting on our past, I recalled a pivotal moment in my parenting journey that still fills me with pride. Emily was in first or second grade, and we found ourselves in the kitchen after dinner. She was playfully repeating the word “Shih Tzu,” reveling in her cleverness of saying something that sounded like a forbidden word.
After hearing it numerous times, I finally intervened.
“Emily, it’s funny the first few times, but that’s enough now. Please stop,” I said.
“What do you mean? Stop saying ‘Shih Tzu’?” she replied, mischief dancing in her eyes.
The tension in the room grew as I said, “If you say it one more time, you will go to bed at 8:30.”
At this point, my older son, Jake, who was two years her senior, began to watch closely. Emily, finding the situation amusing, laughed and responded, “You’re not going to make me go to bed at 8:30!”
Jake’s eyes widened, and I felt my heart race. I was acutely aware that my children had learned from past instances where I failed to uphold my promises. They knew their privileges were rarely revoked, and I had a reputation for being lenient.
“Emily, don’t test me,” I warned. I realized this was a critical moment—one that could shape how my children understood authority and consequences. Would I follow through, or would I let this opportunity slip away?
In that moment, I caught Jake nodding in encouragement.
“I mean it, Emily. You will go to bed at 8:30,” I asserted.
Her laughter faded, replaced by disbelief. “I won’t say it again, I promise!”
“That’s great, but it’s almost 8:30. Start getting ready for bed,” I instructed.
As she burst into tears and ran from the room, exclaiming how unfair it was, Jake couldn’t contain his grin. “Good job, Mom,” he said, clearly impressed. “I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”
That night became a cornerstone of my parenting philosophy. It taught me the value of consistency and the importance of following through on promises and threats. I learned that maintaining authority was essential; my children needed to understand that their actions had repercussions. From that day forward, I approached parenting with renewed determination, and my children began to take my words seriously.
Ironically, Emily now works in dog obedience training, where she emphasizes the importance of consistency and follow-through in her job. When I visit her, I can’t help but think about how those early lessons resonate in her professional life.
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Summary
In essence, parenting is a journey filled with challenges that test our resolve. The lesson of follow-through is crucial, as it teaches children about consequences and accountability. As they grow, these lessons will shape their understanding of responsibility in adulthood.