Our 10- and 7-year-old boys were playing on the neighbor's trampoline with their 10-year-old boy and 7-year-old girl. The older boys were "pantsing" each other. This is where you sneak up on someone and pull their pants down to embarrass them and get a laugh. (I remember this from my school days, but had no idea it was still going on.) When my oldest did it to my youngest, his underwear also came down by accident completely mortifying him.
After we had the "that's an inappropriate game and it will not be tolerated" talk, Dad said to our oldest," I think your little brother should get to choose your punishment because you embarrassed him so badly". Little brother said, "I think you should have to go to school tomorrow with no underwear on so if someone "pants'" you, you'll know how I felt." Dad agreed right away, but as a mom, I wanted to say something. I bit my tongue very hard because of you, Dr. Laura.
That night, as I went to tuck them in, my oldest was crying quite loudly worried about what may happen at school the next day. So was his little brother and through heavy blubbering, he said, "Mama, I feel so bad for brother. He doesn't have to do that punishment; I changed my mind. I don't want that to happen to him." My oldest, crying even heavier said, "Really?? I'm so sorry I did that to you. I'll never do it again, I promise. I love you." They hugged and it was a moment I'll NEVER forget. My oldest said something changed in their relationship that night and he will never forget what his little brother did for him.
I said a silent thank you to you, Dr. Laura. Without you, my nosey, impatient and controlling ways would have stopped that entire turning point from ever happening.
Regan
