I tried. I started out that way, but progressed to “no”. As my sons became teens I added “because I said so, and finally “ what part of no, do you not understand?”
. . . to . . . ‘kids’ . . .
Dear heart,
Most of the time, when I have energy, time and an inclination to bother—I will TRY and explain my priorities and decisions on limits on your life, time and behavior.
Sometimes I won’t. And I may not even have an explanation about why I don’t have an explanation.
It is my duty to help prepare you for . . . drum roll . . .
LIFE.
Many times life has NO EXPLANATION. Actually, rather often.
Bosses are not often inclined to explain their decisions. They just expect immediate compliance WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE.
Sadly, you are not yet ready for that aspect of the real world and work. So I need to intensify my efforts to get you more ready. Expect less explanations and more attention to your attitude REGARDLESS in the near future.
Your attitude is YOUR responsibility regardless of what life hands you. YOUR ATTITUDE can determine YOUR LIFE OR DEATH in a variety of circumstances.
So, I beg of you your cooperation as I begin more earnestly to help train and shape your ability to monintor and control your attitude REGARDLESS of frustrations, limits, disappointments, dreams, fantasies, lusts, rebellions or whatever else.
I value your life and want you to live as fully and as long as possible. Therefore, I MUST make attitude management a greatly increased priority IN OUR RELATIONSHIP and in your life.
Any questions?
In many respects, this issue will be an open issue for some time to come.
However, many aspects are NOT NEGOTIABLE.
Some are not even discussable. On those aspects, the DISCUSSION is closed. Your duty is a FINE ATTITUDE REGARDLESS anyway. Is that clear?
Remember . . . your life may depend on it.
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Of course, if one has been training and loving well from infancy on, such a declaration may be minimized or even unnecessary.
Waiting to try at age 16 is begging for disaster.
Don’t get me wrong... I’ve used those words too! ;) (Hasn’t every parent??? LOL)