Parenting Lessons: Courtesy of the Simpsons

There is an episode of the Simpsons where Bart really, really, really wants to go to the Itchy and Scratchy movie. Then, he is supposed to watch Maggie but she escapes and sets the car loose on a local prison. Homer puts his foot down, and Bart's punishment is not getting to see the movie. Bart dismisses it, saying, "I'll watch it another time."

Homer enhances his punishment - you won't see it - EVER!!!

.

Recently, my kids have had too much summer. They are arguing, talking back, ignoring me altogether - you know, the usual kid stuff. I'm at my limits.

Aaron is the self-proclaimed "King of Empty Threats." He threatens to take away tv (a punishment more for me than the kids). Last night, after the third time of telling the kids to sit down on the couch for their Phineas and Ferb episode, we turned it off. Ben dismissed it with a, "It's being recorded - I'll watch it off the DVR later." oooh. naughty.

Aaron told him that it was being deleted.

The tears flowed.

My boy would not eat dinner - he was too sad.

.

Today, Alex has a birthday party to go to. It's Saturday - that means job day. After being assigned her task for the morning, she whined. She pleaded. She tried to hide. She got mouthy. She screamed at me. She cried. And that was all before 11 am. She fought with her brother. She yelled at her sister. I told her she was tired and needed a rest if she wanted to go to the party. She screamed at me, kicked her feet, and cried some more.

.

So at what point do you take that beloved thing away - for good?