A recent exchange between me and my eldest daughter.
Daddy: “Audrey, where’s your jacket?”
Audrey: “It’s in the car.”
Daddy: “It’s going to be chilly in the restaurant. Are you sure you don’t want it?”
Audrey: “No, it’s too puffy.”
Daddy: “C’mon, Audrey, I don’t want you to be cold in the restaurant”
Audrey: “I won’t be cold! I’m warm!”
Daddy: “Okay, fine, but no whining if you’re cold later.”
Audrey: “I woooon’t!!” [Side Note: Only a 5 year old could turn won’t into a three syllable word]
[Fast Forward to 15 minutes later after everyone’s food has arrived]
Audrey: “I’m cold!”
Daddy: “I told you to bring your jacket.”
Audrey: “But I’m cold! I have goosebumps!”
Daddy: “Well I can’t get your jacket now. We’re eating dinner.”
Audrey: “But I’m cold!”
So what is a father to do in this situation? It certainly feels like a teachable moment. You know, some sort of lesson about the consequences of not listening to your father when he tells you to do something. And yet, here’s the resolution to this story.
I mean, was there really any other option?
Proud Asian Dad 