That kind AND this kind of mom

I'm a tough mom - I know it. I strive for it. I hardly ever use the phrase, "Because I said so." The kids just know that's the reason. My kids pretty much know that when I say something, they would be wasting their breath to try and change my mind. Stuff like, "No. You're not doing that." or, "You will be paying for that."


Usually. However, I am also a mom in the forgiving business. And I have a daughter who has made several boneheaded decisions in the last few months that have cost a lot of money to get fixed. Broken retainers. Broken teeth. Multiple dental visits. All self induced. And I told her that she would be paying for the bills resulting from her not minding and hurting herself.


Which she believed to be true. Because I'm just that way. Usually. So Carly has been working for quite some time when I needed a dishwasher at the shop. We don't have a lot of dishes, so there's not a lot of need for one - mostly on ice cream making days. The work is easy, the pay is lousy and she's been doing it. Every time. Much to the boy's dismay because they like to work for a day and blow all their money immediately on things like Pokemon cards in Aisle 17 at Wal-Mart.


Carly, however, has worked diligently. Not complained once. Never tried to get out of it. Didn't try to convince me how unfair this was or tell me what a horrible person I was for making her be responsible for her actions. She has just washed dish after dish after dish. And she has earned several hundred dollars -- on paper. Not one penny has touched her hand because she thinks it has all gone to the orthodontist and dentist -- which of course we have already paid.


Frankly, I'm proud of her. Because she has worked so hard, without complaint or resentment, I have taken all of the money she earned and bought her a surprise. She will love it. And I'm gonna love to see her face when she opens the card to see her debt has been paid in full and watch her open her gift. I'll let you know how it goes. The package is out for delivery right now and she will have it in just a matter of hours.