Natural consequences are hard. I know this from personal experience, but what's even worse than personal experience is watching your kids get those personal experiences.
Not jumping in and "rescuing" them out of their self-induced situations is really difficult. It hurts the heart, but it is necessary.
Sticking with what you said you were going to do when what you had hoped wouldn't come to fruition does is miserable. Following through. Being okay with being the tough guy (in love) and just having to stay quiet and watch them learn through their situations just plain sucks.
This is the stuff no one tells you about. This is the figure-it-out-as-you-go garbage you wish you never had to learn.
It isn't serious stuff but since it feels serious to your kid it sort of is serious, you know?
Ouch.
Hurts of the heart today...
Tomorrow will be better. For my kid and for my heart. {Tomorrow: Get here faster!}
We have missed many a birthday party because "If you do not have your room clean (or other chore that was required), you will not go the party" was reinforced. It was painful. But, necessary indeed.
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