Sometimes It's Good to Have a Lawyer in the House

"You LIED!"


"You're LIARS!!"

My son stormed into the house, tears streaming down his reddened face.


The tirade continued--



"You said I could grow my hair as long as I wanted to during the school year. That's what you said! Does this look long? NO! I look like a toddler. A DORK! You're never touching another single cell on MY body!"



Stifling a giggle I tried to explain, "Sweetie, that was before your uncle was getting married. You're the ring-bearer. You have to look nice..."

"NICE! This doesn't look NICE. This looks STUPID. I'm going to wear a hat!"



"It's a wedding, you can't wear a hat."



"I'll wear a top hat! People wear those. And anyway you broke your promise! You always do."



"I do not!"



"Yes! You said you'd get me a Brett Favre jersey months ago. You didn't..."



"Well, actually that was Dad." (Sometimes saving yourself means throwing your spouse under the bus)



My husband mercifully interceded.

"Ok, you're right. We did say you could grow your hair, but these are extenuating circumstances. Do you know what that means?"



"Yes, that you lied!"



In your family maybe you would have scooped your child up in your arms, quieted his tears and tried to explain why it was important to look nice for a special family occasion. Or maybe you would have sent your child to his room for a time out until he calmed down.
In our family we handle disputes like this a little differently.

We drew up a contract.

Here it is:



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