Last week my 3 year old daughter Katelyn, whom I affectionately refer to as “Booger,” called me out!  Abby and I were in the Kitchen and I thought we were having a discussion.  I don’t remember what we were talking about but evidently it was intense. Our discussion ended when Abby took our 2 year old (Zoe) to the bedroom and tried to get her to sleep.  Katelyn walked up and said, “Daddy when you TALK’N that way you FIGHT’N!”

Whats a father to do when this happens?  I believe opportunities like these are powerful experiences to intentionally develop our children for Christ.  So I responded to Katelyn by asking her if it really sounded that bad.  She affirmed with a nod and a look of disapproval.  I told her that I should probably go and tell her mom, and my wife, that I was sorry.  That is exactly what I did and Abby and I had a brief moment of laughter about the experience.

I went back and told Katelyn that I appreciated her for calling me out and that I told mom I was sorry.  I gave her a kiss and my mission was accomplished.  It would have been easier to tell Katelyn that I wasn’t mad and we weren’t really fighting.  But I realize parenting is not easy.  So I swallowed my pride and gave a little soul an authentic model to follow.  My “Booger” learned first hand how to respond when you are wrong.  When it comes to parenting I do my best to be intentional instead of conventional.  How do you respond when your children call you out?