Parenting and the Almighty "No"
It’s hard to believe that Rio and I have been sharing a desk for over three weeks. It feels like it’s been ages since that time I flooded Rio… or was is it last week… ? Anyways, it’s exciting to see Rio grow up right before my eyes -wow, I feel like a parent. Speaking of parenting, it is important that I guide Rio through the next stage of his development. The effect of my consistent watering is starting to take hold, literally: Rio has several new leaves that are coming out of the soil. Thus at this time, my parenting plays a vital role in Rio’s continued growth and well-being.
Lesson of the day: Don’t be afraid to say no.
So the thing is, as Rio grows and matures, my ‘parenting techniques’ must adapt. A big part of being a good caregiver for Rio is not being afraid to say no. For example, Rio asked for water today. As you and I are aware, Rio has been spoiled with water on Mondays and Friday (in fact, he was so spoiled that he gave the desk the excess water). Today however, I realized the water wouldn’t do him any good, and decide to cut him off.
Let me give you another example. The other day, I returned from a trendy Midtown furniture store. I took photos to documents my findings. My pictures included these colorful pots.
Rio saw this photo and several others like it. Being the fashionista that he is, Rio asked for a change from his current pot enclosure to one of these bad boys. I guess it took him three weeks of building up a disdain for Terra Cotta plus several JPEGS of trendy plant pots for him to ask for the switch. Do you know how much of a waste of time and money it would be to replace his pot for an identically functioning pot with a different color? When Rio grows up and starts making his own money, he can spend it on all the trendy plant accessories he wants. But as long as he’s living on my desk, he lives by my rules, which includes no wasteful spending.
Not all no’s are about leisure. Some can be lifesaving. Exhibit C: Rio wants to join me at the beach tomorrow. My reaction: -_-
Why? Because Rio is a plant. He’s a desk bum, not a beach bum. Ladies and gentlemen, in general, there are three things that can happen when you take a plant to the beach: He can get stepped on, he can get taken in by the tide, or he can be engulfed in sand. What do these three occurrences have in common? #PlantObliteration .
Folks, I will not let “plant obliteration” take place on my watch. Rio may be upset that I won’t let him come to the beach, but that is why you must be willing to say no. Ironically, the key to growth is setting limits. Without saying no, Rio will never reach his fullest potential.
