I found myself carrying a stack of trays of cupcakes for the girl's class....across an icy parking lot in Becca's case. I somehow didn't end up with my feet in the air and icing all over me.

Nor did we freeze to death or get hit by a car because Becca heard the morning announcements had started and wanted to stand in one place...the middle of the parking lot to listen.

When you are at the kid's school and you say "we are going in NOW!"
People always look at you like you hit the child or something. You do not correct your child or enforce authority in public. Someone always has a look or remark.
I don't yell. I do have rules.
I am regularly told how unfair I am because I insist my kids, move aside for other people to pass, treat the elderly with respect, not handle everything they see, and not shout and run around in public places.

I hear "Awww Mom, they're just kids" from strangers.

I just look at them and say "Yes, and therefore they have to learn how to behave....it is my job to teach them"
I don't believe in just letting children do what they want. That is a disservice to them. I also do not believe in spanking. Both approaches are basically lazy parenting. It avoids teaching the child anything. Because teaching is tough...many pick these methods.

After we are out of the range of cars that speed around corners, and cold winter air...I explain to Rebecca why we can not stand right there. I explain what her alternative choice could have been. ( Listen to the announcements while walking towards the building.)
It would have been easier to let her stand where she was.
It would have been wrong.

I will never pick the easier way when it comes to my kids. I love them too much.

Edited and reposted for certain reasons.