I Got Yo Back

Well it happened. Tonight our little boy did the unthinkable. The one that puts you into a whole new ballgame with your children. Tonight my 'not so little angel' told his father that he hated him. Now putting this into context: it was over him having to brush his teeth and being asked to not spit water everywhere and then that drama leading into our son getting a spanking, but I guess to a little 5 year old's mind that is reason enough. The true test came when I had to step in and stand up for my husband and his role in our family. I was challenged because the look on my boy's face showed that not only did he know he was in for it, but that he had made a huge mistake. He truly looked as though he regretted the decision and not just because of the discipline that was coming.

But in marriage that is what you have to do. You have to have each others backs. Sometimes that means against lil' 5 years olds- or in some cases- a whole army of underage tyrants! The best way that I could teach my son respect was to honor his father and show him that he is the man in our house and that he deserves our respect. There was a part of me that really wanted to shout at my husband for spanking over water spitting- I mean boys are boys right? But that would have taught a lesson much greater and the consequences for that decision would be felt many years down the road.

As married parents, we have a unique position. We get to teach these kids how to be future parents and married people. Watch your steps as you go and make sure that you the chance to watch each others backs when needed.

- The Working Wife