game on TV and is amazed the kids are getting along so well, but the
fun is about to end.
“Brittany, I need another wheel for my tank,” says John.
“No, John, I’ve got it on my wagon,” Brittany says.
(Dad squirms in his chair. It’s fourth-and-goal for the good guys.)
“Lemme just use one wheel now. I’ll give it back to you later,”
suggests Brother.
“No, my wagon needs four wheels,” replies Sister.
“Your wagon looks stupid!”
“Dad, John’s gonna take one of my wheels and I had them first!”
(Dad’s team had to try for a field goal and it was blocked. Dad is
not pleased.)
“Both of you, knock it off!”
“She doesn’t need to hog all the wheels. There aren’t enough for
me to make what I want, and they’re my Legos.”
“But I made this first!”
“OK, kids, that’s 1 for both of you.”
“She’s an idiot.” (John smashes his creation and leaves.)
How Did He Do?
Pretty good discipline job by Dad. Perhaps he should have counted a little bit
sooner instead of growling “Knock it off!” Should Dad have counted John for
smashing his tank or bad-mouthing his sister? Some parents would count these
behaviors, but others wouldn’t because the tank was John’s (and it can be
rebuilt). John may also be doing the right thing by leaving the situation.Round Two
Second chance: let’s give Dad another chance to improve his
parenting technique.
“Brittany, I need another wheel for my tank,” says John.
“No, John, I’ve got it on my wagon,” Brittany says.