It Was Only a Matter of Time

As I was securing the kids in their car seats after pre-school this morning, my son informed me that he wanted to watch a movie on the drive home.  The distance between school and home is a short fifteen minute commute so it seemed unnecessary to pop in a DVD. More importantly, I feel the DVD player should be reserved for long car trips or unavoidable traffic delays.  I reasoned that my children should not rely on a movie to keep them entertained but instead should interact with each other, with their mother (God forbid), or check out the scenery on the way home.  My son disagreed with my views on the matter (big surprise), and repeated his request that he be allowed to watch a movie.  I again informed the young lad that we would not be watching a movie.  My son, being a typical four year-old, was resolve in his determination to have his mother acquiesce to his wishes.  He repeated his demand until I responded, "Eamon, what part of NO are you not understanding here?"  

Let's face it...it was only a matter of time before I heard my parents' words coming out of my mouth.  I had suspected that I would "become" my parents eventually.  My response to my son was immediate, almost rote.   There was no conscious forethought before I uttered that phrase I had heard so many times, so long ago.

It was only a matter of time.