🔥TEENAGE DRAMA SERIES — The Door Slam

You said something. They didn't like it. They walked away and BOOM

Now everybody who doesn't know me might think I'm about to tell you to take a deep breath and go in there with some soft words and a hug.

No ma'am. No sir.

Here's what's actually about to happen.

Grab the screwdriver/Drill on your way up the stairs.

Knock on that door. Open it calmly. Look them dead in the eye and say

"I love you. I'm still here for you BUT that's the last time that this door will slams. I'm going to leave this screwdriver in your room because the next time you slammed the door I'm gonna take it off the hinges.

"This door does not close for 24 hours. And before you get comfortable go back downstairs and practice walking back into your room with the right attitude. We're going to get this right."

Then walk out.

No yelling. No lecture. No back and forth.

Because here's what that moment communicates two things at the exact same time:

I love you enough to come back. AND I love you too much to let that slide.

The coming back says this relationship survives conflict. You are safe with me.

The screwdriver says this house has an order and it is not up for debate.

The practice walk says we don't just correct behavior in this house. We train it.

THAT is the difference between punishment and parenting.

Punishment just takes the door.

Parenting takes the door AND teaches them what to do differently.😂

Warm. Firm. Clear. Consistent.

That's not soft. That's not mean.