The Platinum Rule

Mrs ERJ and I like to give reasons when we ask our kids to do something.  I believe that it makes the 'rule' easier to remember.  Reasons also give the kid enough information to extend the rule when they encounter novel situations.

The downside of giving reasons is that sometimes kids decide they don't have to do something if they disagree with the reason.

For example, Kubota recently kicked a bowl of dog food and spilled food on the floor.

I asked him to clean it up.  "Kubota, oh awesome son-of-mine, please sweep up the spilled dog food.  None of us like stepping on dog kibbles with our bare feet."

Kubota responded, "Don't bother me none.  In fact, I like to step on dog kibbles."

If "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is the Golden Rule then "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them" is the Platinum Rule.

Stepping on dry dog kibbles is not my thing, but if that is what Kubota wants....

Maxine Walters

Image from HERE

It is my preference that communication be civil.  It is my preference that we have the ability to firewall between our professional lives and our private lives.  It is my preference that my wife and children be shielded from potentially explosive, physical, public confrontations.

But if abusive, public confrontations is Maxine Walters preferred mode of communication... reference the picture of Kubota's work boot.