Game over.
Even small humans must learn that lessons are learned through effort, not manipulation.
Connor tries to sneak a glance at a small handheld game under the couch. I catch the movement instantly. My hand closes around the device before he even realizes I’ve seen him.
“This stays here,” I say, holding it firmly, “until you’ve finished. If you want to play it, you earn it. Not by asking, not by whining, not by trying to make me feel guilty, but by proving you can do what needs to be done.”