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Monday, August 20, 2007

Counting One Two Three Four Five


I grew up with an eight year younger sister and we both adored and revered our dad. We loved to spend time with him and everytime if we were asked to choose if we wanted to follow our mom or dad to go out, my dad always won out. My mom on the other hand didn't feel inadequate about herself but rather prefered it and accepted the defeat of the parental popular contest graciously. She would much rather go off on her own to enjoy a day of shopping by herself than having us tagging along. My dad would usually take us out hiking or swimming and we would have a good time poking fun at each other and doing silly things.

That was the lighter side of my father. The other side of my father was the disciplinarian at home. His rod would come down even if he had to chase you down. I was chased several times by him in my life. His words were final if a decision was needed to be made. Me and sister would not even dare to look him in the eye if he found out we didn't do what we were supposed to do. My dad simply commanded our full respect. I remember one of our neighbor's puppy was stolen and my dad saw the actual act itself. He chase the teenage thief down and simply gave him a very stern look followed by strong words. That was my dad and we knew if that teenager was one of us, our butts would have been flattened!

As for me being a dad to a four year old, I am trying to follow some of my dad's footsteps, but I think i am a gentler dad so far. Prior to disciplining, I would always give a warning or a count to 5. My son usually knows when it's 5 what's going to happen if he doesn't act appropriately. I would have to say, this counting thing has worked well for us most of the time. It worked so well that he is using it on his mommy.

My son usually wakes up early and he would try to get mommy to wake up as well to fix him breakfast or to allow him to play on the computer. There was one day that mommy was simply too sleepy to wake up. After a few failed attempts to wake up mommy, my son simply said, "I am couting to five, you don't wake up I time out your pillow!" One, two, three, four five, and mommy's pillow was stolen from her, and guess what?! She woke up!

I think my discipline is working, on both my son, AND my wife *grin*

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

This story is so cute. I love the fact that your son is following your footsteps at such an early age.

Anonymous said...

This is really funny but somehow I don't think mommy finds it that amusing.

Anonymous said...

This story is great and especially the mommy part is tooooo cute. Your son is a riot

Anonymous said...

Brilliant my friend,
Conveyed very well and humorous too :o)

Anonymous said...

Similar to you, at our home we all revered our dad very much. We really miss him since he's been gone but the memories will remain in us.

Anonymous said...

My dad was the same way. "FUN"
I am trying to be the same way as well for my little guy. Thanks for inspiring. Good job

Anonymous said...

Poor mommy can't even sleep in but I am sure she enjoys every moment with him.

Anonymous said...

Another great post! very funny

Anonymous said...

Nothing like a little negative reinforcement to get the ball rolling.
Best wishes

mommy of 3 angels said...

he knows how to give you the ultimatum too!! dun play play!

Unknown said...

Milton - Thanks for sharing your story. Coming from a military family I know all about the 'rod'. One thing - you might want to check into the consequences of children who are exposed to tv, dvd, and computer images - just a thought. Take care.

Anonymous said...

This is such a cute story. Poor mommy.

Anonymous said...

My memories of my father and his demeanor are always with me. Unfortunately, many are harsh. And they have served me well in working to be the very best parent I can be. Great story!

Anonymous said...

Hahaha.. Like father like son. Your son must be very cute.

Anonymous said...

In our household we count to 10 and if that doesn't work, it's grounding TIME. Normally at 8 they are already doing what they are doing otherwise NO TV or NO going out to play. I am a single mom so I have to play both roles but grandpa lives very close by to serve as a male role figure.

Anonymous said...

I am soon to be dad. I am glad I stumble upon this blog that are rich with great stories. Thanks

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful that you had a good life growing up at least some of did. While others had what we thought was a wonderful Father and in the long run found out he was a monster. Check my site out.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzer556v/mylife

Anonymous said...

The cartoons on this page are so adorable which seems to match your son's personality and behavior. Very very cute.

Anonymous said...

Your stories have become of dinner conversation for the past few days. Great stories and they are very funny. Keep going

Anonymous said...

Your son is so cute and smart. He's seems to be learning very quickly. Good job parents and great post.

Anonymous said...

It's obvious you have a great sense of humor. I can picture laughter through out your household. You have a very intelligent young boy but he's got to respect mommy more when he grows a bit more.

Anonymous said...

Very cute story. Mommy needs to watch out or the little guy is going to start running the house.

Anonymous said...

My Dad came from Eastern Europe. He was raised with a very strict hand and he did his best to instill the same discipline in his children that his father had instilled in him. Well, we (all 6 of us) grew up in awe of our father. I think if he would have counted to 5 before doling out punishment, my childhood could have been that much better. Although as a result, I have a very loving and nuturing relationship with my two year old daughter.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how kids interpret parent's behavior. Maybe you should try counting to 10 instead of 5 and that way, mommy might have a little more time to get up.
Cheers and happy family to you.

myonlyphoto said...

Nice story. Thanks for friendly add. Anna :)

Anonymous said...

These are all great stories and very inspiring for me to look forward on going home everyday after work. Appreciate the sharings.

Anonymous said...

That is too cute. I bet your wife is wondering what in the world she's gotten herself into.

Anonymous said...

This is fantastic =)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting your stories. It brings back home when I am not at home now amd away on business.
I have 2 sets of twin boys 4 years apart and they are keeping my wife very busy.

Anonymous said...

Too funny.. I can only imagine the expression on mommy's face when the pillow was taken away from her. Your son associates very well and seem to be a bright young man.

mrsnesbitt said...

What an interesting blog! I have just posted about a childhood memory of a favourite toy! It is good to remember, with a smile.