If you're not a parent, don't even bother reading: Ripping the Soul Out of a Child

Most of Cedar Posts is original content, mainly because most the stuff out there is crap! But this post by Jim Mitchem is good, heartbreakingly good:

I recently did something that I can’t forgive myself for. During a moment of chaos, I barked at my oldest daughter (9) and told her it was time to grow up.

I was trying to get everyone out the door on a Saturday, and there were chores to be done around the house, but she and her sister (7) were lost in play – despite my urging that they do what’s necessary for us to leave.

I got down on my knees, took her by the shoulders and looked her square in the eyes. “You’re almost 10. It’s time for you to change.” I couldn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth, but I was upset.

How many times do you have to tell kids to clean up their rooms or pick up their toys or put their clothes away? Until now, I’d always passed it off as something that parents must just keep repeating, not really expecting anything. And if the child did respond favorably - throw a party.

I continued, in a frustrated tone, “Life isn’t all about daydreaming and playing. You have responsibilities. You’ll be out of our house in 8 years, and you have to learn to take responsibility for things. And that means less playing and more work. Do you understand me?”

“Ok, Daddy," she responded - tears welling up in her eyes. Then she turned and walked away.

The rest is here it is worth the click.