Teaching responsibility

Today after school

Robyn:  Nate, you need to do your homework.

Nate (unresponsive because he's reading a book).

15 minutes later

Robyn:  Nate, put down that book and do your homework.

Nate (still unresponsive).

10 minutes later

Robyn:  Nathaniel Rodney!  What have I asked you to do?

Nate:  My homework.  But Mom, did you know, reading is part of my homework.

Robyn:  I need you to work on the OTHER homework you have (significant pause) . . . NOW.

Nate (finally starts looking through his backpack for his OTHER homework):  Oh no!!

Robyn:  What's the matter?

Nate (somewhat distressed):  I don't have my Egyptian book.  I can't do my homework without it.

Robyn:  Well go back to school and get it.

Nate:  I can't do that!  No one is at the school.

Robyn:  Yes, they are.  You can still get in.

Nate (beginning to whine):  I don't want to.

Robyn:  Ok then.  I can't sign your planner.

Nate:  Then I'll have to go to detention.  Do you want your son to go to detention?

Robyn:  If it will make a lasting impression on him to BRING HOME HIS HOMEWORK!

Nate:  Can you take me back to school?

Robyn:  Oh, all right but you are going in there to get it yourself.  I'll wait in the car.

Nate:  Why won't you help me more?

Robyn:  Because I'm doing your future wife, children, and co-workers a big favor right now.  I'm teaching YOU responsibility.

Nate:  But I don't even have a wife.

Robyn:  Not yet.  But believe me, she will thank me one day for teaching you this lesson.

At the school

Nate:  Mom, are you sure you won't come with me?

Robyn:  You can do it.  Go on.

A few minutes later Nate emerges victorious with the book in hand.

Robyn:  See that wasn't so bad, right?

Nate:  Well, my teacher was in a meeting with some other teachers so I just snuck in the room and got the book.

At home

Nate:  Oh no!!

Robyn:  What now?

Nate:  I forgot the packet that goes with the book.  I can't do my homework without THAT.

Robyn raises her eyebrows but doesn't say anything.

Nate walks out the door, gets on his bike, and heads back to the school.

Robyn (smiling to herself):  Lesson learned . . . for now at least.