Serena is hard at work on a project. She’s painting that jar with every fiber of her being.
Rio comes down and stands next to her, a little too close.
Rio: Serena, do you promise that you will [insert ridiculous scheme that benefits only five-year-olds whose names begin with R]
Serena: ignores her. Keeps painting.
Rio: Serena, do you promise blah blah blah? Do you? Promise! Promise! Promise!
Serena: ignores her. Keeps painting.
Rio: SERENA! Are you even responding to me? RESPOND!
Serena: Pokes Rio in the eye with her gooey paintbrush. Keeps painting.
Rio is completely shocked by this. I am not.
A lot of parents I know believe in letting “natural consequences” play out for children’s actions. Normally I try to stop my kids from poking each other in the eyes with sticks, but in this instance I stayed out of the fray except to offer Rio a wet washcloth. Because really? She insisted on a response. What did she think was going to happen?
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