Crime and Punishment

a.k.a. Sons and Sensibility. Dads and Discipline.

When he answered the phone, his typically humor-infused tone was subdued.

Dad (pointedly): "Did you tell Darren he could buy a book at the book fair today?

Mom (reaching for morning memory): "He asked for money as we were rushing out the door; I told him he needs to bring up those questions at more appropriate, more likely to receive a positive-response times."

Dad (redirecting, requestioning): "But did you tell him he could buy a book?

Mom (unsure of pending punishment for the defendant): "Well, no...."

Dad (dismissing the witness from the stand): "Okay."

When he answered the phone an hour later, his typically hijinks-infused tone was subdued.

Mom (cross-examining the defendant): "Did you buy a book today at the book fair?"

Darren (answering only the question asked): "Yes."

Mom (impatiently seeking motive and means): "You did? How did you pay for it?"

Darren (succinctly): "I took my own money."

Mommy (with correction, but sensing consequence had already been applied): "Darren, you are supposed to ask before you spend your money on anything. You know that."

Darren (with sadness): "I know. Daddy made me give it to Goodwill."

Mommy (with empathy, but curiosity): "What book was it?"

Darren (with sadness, but no wavering in his voice): "The Legos minifigures book."

Mommy (suppressing a waver in her voice): "I know how very badly you wanted that book. By giving that book away, you are going to make some lucky kid very happy. I do wish you had asked, Darren."

Darren: "Me too."

Mommy (seeking further explanation): "Can I please speak to Daddy?"

Darren (with resignation): "Sure."

Mommy (seeking clarification from the bench on the implemented penal system): "Honey, I didn't tell him he couldn't buy a book...I just told him to ask for money at more appropriate times..."

Daddy (authoritatively): "We had a lengthy conversation yesterday about the necessity for parental consent on any personal funds purchases."

Mommy (with resignation): "We've talked about that, too..."

Daddy (with justified finality): "After his lesson, we walked the perimeter at tae kwon do, discussing the prominently featured posters talking about the character traits and their definitions. He will not be participating in the [once a year, rare trophy opportunity] tournament this weekend."

How blessed I am to have a parenting partner who selflessly applies a consequence with impact, one that teaches a sure-to-be-remembered lesson on the import of following directions. How blessed are our children that their Dad cares far more about what they will become in the long-term, than what we will do for fun on the weekend.

Darren doesn't need to ogle minifigures in a book ill-gotten; he has a towering example to admire at home. So do I.