[Night Hides Not]

My dad and stepfather were both positive influences on me as a youngster: I knew that if I was disrespectful, or messed up in other ways, they had the capability to kick my a$$. Not that it ever happened, but knowing the "nuclear option" was there was a great motivator.

Recently, my 16 year old son decided he was going to test me, by first disrespecting his mother, then me. I simply picked him up by firmly grabbing his t-shirt at the shoulders and deposited him on the floor a couple of feet from where he was sitting.

The message was sent, and understood (for how long remains to be seen): his old man still has the ability to employ the nuclear option when necessary. We had an excellent conversation about it the next day.

My son admitted he was not hurt, but boy was he surprised!

"A son does not learn how to become a son until he becomes a father." Ambrose Bierce

Belated thanks to my father and stepfather..may they rest in peace.

[marlon]

Hey you're lucky the police weren't at your door. I once swated my step-daughter on the leg with a belt, not that hard and with thru blue jeans I may add, after she kicked her mother and pulled her hair.

Much to my surprise she dialed 911,as she was instructed to do at school, and the next thing I know there are 5 cop cars converging on my front lawn!