Hey there Mr. Playground-Dad. Yes, I’m talking to you. I’ve been watching you and your son for quite some time now.
Would you like to know the one question that keeps popping into my head over and over again?
Have you lost your mind?
For the past ten minutes I’ve witnessed your son yell at you, slap you, and refuse to sit beside you in a time-out. Your only response when he wiggled away was to yell, “You’re going straight to bed when we get home.”
Your son yelled back even louder, “No I’m not!”
Why didn’t you get up and run after him? Why didn’t you pick him up and walk out of the play area? Why did you let him continue playing? Are you afraid of him? He can’t be older than five.
What’s that? You’re tired?
Too bad. Parenting isn’t an option. Lots of us parents are tired. Poor excuse dad. Do you think parents of well-behaved children aren’t tired?
You are the adult. He is the child. You can tread water longer than he can make it rain.
Thanks to parents like you, children are growing up without respect for adults. Your lack of discipline fuels the monster-child you’re raising into a monster-adult who feels entitled, disrespects authority, and doesn’t understand the word “No.” Is that the kind of man you want your son to grow up to be?
I didn’t think so.
Because I care so much, I’m offering my spanking services free of charge today. Make sure your son is busy on the slide. I wouldn’t want him to see his father cry.
Author of The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids
Mari says
I’ve seen this behavior too and am amazed (And not in a good way) when I see it. It seems to be only common sense that you can’t let you kids get away with that behavior.
PS – I’m sure the kid was right – he didn’t go straight to bed!
JoanneKraft says
I’m sure he didn’t either, Mari!
Lori says
Love this post…love your blog!!
JoanneKraft says
Thanks Lori!
Karen says
Woohoo! I LOVED this!
Chris says
Parents need the Joanne Kraft University of Parenting.
elaine @ peace for the journey says
One of my favs.
~elaine
Charlotte says
Love the post Joanne!