Confessions of a Turtle Mom: 38 – Truth and Consequences

As a Turtle Mom, I was slow to react to most childhood transgressions. I wanted the punishment to fit the crime, and that required thought. A spill is easy — just clean it up. I didn't really consider that a crime, just something that happens and you deal with it. Daughter was good with that philosophy, too.

But there are childish "crimes" that require more drastic consequences. Lying. Stealing. Not sharing. A Tiger Mom may insist on perfect adherence to rules, with severe and instant...