This evening was not a typical one. I came home from work knowing that tonight I would know if I passed the Bar exam. However, we were also hosting our neighbors for dinner. So, my wife and I scrambled to get everything ready. When they arrived, we scrambled to get the kids dinner so that the adults could talk. Dinner ended pretty late, so then we scrambled to clean up and get the kids ready for bed. Since our three-year old has become more independent and helpful, and since I was anxious to get through the night and check my score, I asked him to do a bunch of things to help during the preparing, entertaining, clean-up, and bed time. I say "asked," but I must have forgotten to use my magic words because he eventually asked me, "Daddy, why are you acting so bossy today?"
On the one hand, I wasn't sure how to react to hearing my son say that. On the other hand, he asked so sincerely that I knew he wasn't just mouthing off. It really concerned him. I actually felt a little better knowing that, if my anxious and bossy behavior was concerning him now, I must not be doing it all the time anymore. I told him he was right, that I was being bossy, and that I was sorry. I also told him "thank you" for being so helpful. I'm amazed at how much my kids can teach me if I listen.
As a side note to this story (though a keynote of my day), I was finally able to check my score around 10 pm. I passed the Bar exam!
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