Funny unintentional verification of keeping my word

[txpitdog]

My kids wouldn't settle down on the way to the park this afternoon. After my wife asked them several times to keep the noise down and keep their hands to themselves, I announced that the Xbox was off limits for the rest of the day and would be tomorrow as well if they made another peep. Dead silence the rest of the ride.

The funny part though was what my 9yr old told my wife as he was grumbling through math practice after dinner. My wife asked what the problem was, and he said it would be easier to get through it if he knew he could play Xbox before bed. Then he says this to my wife:

"Why does Dad never change his mind? If he says we have to do something we always have to do it, and if he says we can't do something he doesn't change his mind later and still let us do it. Whenever Dad says something he means it, so we won't be able to play Xbox tonight."

I raised both fists in victory (while laughing of course) when my wife told me this. Although not necessarily in the way they'd prefer, at least my boys are learning what it means to keep your word. ...and if I tried my best to stick to what I say in the past I'm REALLY gonna do it now. [emoji3]

[papabearclif]

Someone has to do it. My wife caves all the time. When I say it it stands.

[Texas Grown]

Children need stability. And keeping your word is one way to "show them the way" to life, and what it means.


Edit: Forgot the "Good job Dad".

[rookie11]

Good for you man. They will appreciate and respect you for that kind of guidance more than you know. My kids are grown now and I really like when they say "dad, now I understand why you did..."

[Bisch]

Bisch

[txpitdog]

Certainly ain't tootin' my own horn but I am enjoying the fact that at least one of my boys has taken notice!

[Geezy Rider]

Good job. I never lied to my children. If I promised them a punishment they received it. If I promised a reward they received it.

[4wheels]

Now if I could just keep my word to myself. I will often make a promise to my self that i am going to do xyz, by time bla bla.. Sure enough if there is a chance to break my word to myself - I do it.

<rolling eyes> <* hangs head in shame *>

[Etxbuckman]

Someone has to do it. My wife caves all the time. When I say it it stands.

Yup. Same here and it ****** me off to no end because daddy's the bad guy.

[Still Hunter]

Take that Xbox outside and destroy it. That would be the wisest thing you ever did as a Dad.

[UncleBubba]

Someone has to do it. My wife caves all the time. When I say it it stands.

X2 and that's one thing I'm working on with both the wife and the boys. They need to respect and follow their mothers commands, but when she caves after a couple of "but, but, buts" it makes it difficult. She has really turned it around since we talked about it, but it's still a work in progress. Motherly love is a royal pain sometimes [emoji6]

[one66stang]

I'm the same, no wavering. I only say things once also. If I have to tell you twice it comes with consequences.

[Stick'n'String]

That's they way I was raised and I think I turned out pretty good. I knew I could they my mom to give in sometimes. But if dad said something, I knew that was the final ruling.

[Sleepy]

Funny, my wife sent me this the other day and no words could be more true.



My wife will tell our daughter, (my step-daughter), multiple times to stop doing something or to do something. Our daughter knows she can get away with it with my wife. I tell her to do something or to stop ONE time, and I do not have to repeat myself. If I have to repeat myself, the ipad goes in the top of my closet for however long I feel is necessary. Or I take the plug to her tv. I'm probably pretty hard on her, but I do know that in time, she will be thankful for it.