My father had a unique and effective method of punishment, and I've thanked him for it at every opportunity.
If we misbehaved, the default punishment was no TV or computer privileges for a week. This could be anything from name-calling to lying to refusing to walk the dog. A week without entertainment.
But here's the cool part. We would be absolved of our crimes if we created some work of art for him. He'd accept drawings, or songs, or even dance routines, as long as they weren't half-a**ed. They all started out terrible, but over time all of us kids developed a real interest in our endeavors and went on to become pretty damn decent. I've been going to school on a piano scholarship for two years and my sister is a talented ballet dancer.
But the best part is that my dad saved all the work we did over the years and has folders and folders of paintings and drawings along with hours of videotaped performances. My mom says he goes through his collection many times a year.
Thanks, dad.
If we misbehaved, the default punishment was no TV or computer privileges for a week. This could be anything from name-calling to lying to refusing to walk the dog. A week without entertainment.
But here's the cool part. We would be absolved of our crimes if we created some work of art for him. He'd accept drawings, or songs, or even dance routines, as long as they weren't half-a**ed. They all started out terrible, but over time all of us kids developed a real interest in our endeavors and went on to become pretty damn decent. I've been going to school on a piano scholarship for two years and my sister is a talented ballet dancer.
But the best part is that my dad saved all the work we did over the years and has folders and folders of paintings and drawings along with hours of videotaped performances. My mom says he goes through his collection many times a year.
Thanks, dad.
