{"id":6394,"date":"2025-01-13T08:16:38","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T08:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=6394"},"modified":"2025-01-13T08:16:44","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T08:16:44","slug":"i-came-home-to-find-my-kids-sleeping-in-the-hallway-what-my-husband-turned-their-bedroom-into-while-i-was-away-made-me-feral-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/6394","title":{"rendered":"I Came Home to Find My Kids Sleeping in the Hallway \u2014 What My Husband Turned Their Bedroom into While I Was Away Made Me Feral"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<p>I\u2019d been away on a business trip for a week, and let me tell you, I was itching to get home. My boys, Tommy and Alex, were probably bouncing off the walls waiting for me.\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-2>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/e3b_ZBJuR8W4hGXN9Sr_3uusRyKamkJTff29PzxBQM0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzRkMjA1ZDcwMmUwNjkwMTkwODQyNTJkNWNhOWZmYmJhNmY0MGViMzM1ZDY3Y2Q0MTMzYzA0MzNmZjA5MzA5Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTIxNSZoZWlnaHQ9ODA1.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c4d205d702e069019084252d5ca9ffbba6f40eb335d67cd4133c0433ff09309c.png%5C%22" alt='\"Two' boys playing in a living room source: midjourney width='\"1215\"' height='\"805\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Two boys playing in a living room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I mean, a week is practically forever when you\u2019re 6 and 8. And Mark? Well, I figured he\u2019d be glad to hand the reins back to me. He\u2019s a great dad, don\u2019t get me wrong, but he\u2019s always been more of the fun parent than the responsible one.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As I pulled into our driveway at midnight, I couldn\u2019t help but grin. The house was dark and quiet, just as it should be at this ungodly hour.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I grabbed my suitcase and tiptoed to the front door, keys jingling softly in my hand.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/YFSw0TEM6geKUtxtO2YICkLkXTwHTugkW1vMtYxZ2d8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWMxYmU0NzI3MWUyN2RjYjcyMmEyOGYzNThkYmY4NGY4YzdmNGRiNjdhNzNlYTVjZmU5ZGI5NmNhMjFmMDI3Zi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9c1be47271e27dcb722a28f358dbf84f8c7f4db67a73ea5cfe9db96ca21f027f.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' person reaching for a doorknob source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A person reaching for a doorknob\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The lock clicked open, and I stepped inside, ready to collapse into bed. But something was\u2026 wrong.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My foot hit something soft, and I froze. Heart pounding, I fumbled for the light switch. When the hall lit up, I almost screamed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Tommy and Alex were sprawled out on the floor, tangled up in blankets like a couple of puppies. They were fast asleep, but their faces were smudged with dirt, and their hair was sticking up in all directions.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/8g3ffKgQ-F9ouD774WhWbBWP4AvYbavaloI0_JvZVtY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmQ0NGE0OWQ4NDQ3YTBkNDc2ZWY3NjJjODFhNzY2YWNkM2M3NTNiNDMxNjc1MGIxYTNkZTYzYWYyOGM3MDk0NS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTIyMyZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6d44a49d8447a0d476ef762c81a766acd3c753b4316750b1a3de63af28c70945.png%5C%22" alt='\"Two' boys sleeping in a hallway source: midjourney width='\"1223\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Two boys sleeping in a hallway\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat the hell?\u201d I whispered, my mind racing. Had there been a fire? A gas leak? Why weren\u2019t they in their beds?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I crept past them, afraid to wake them up until I knew what was going on. The living room was a disaster zone, littered with pizza boxes, soda cans, and what looked suspiciously like melted ice cream on the coffee table. But no sign of Mark.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My heart was doing the cha-cha in my chest as I made my way to our bedroom. Empty.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/xnw4icwP8o0HZ09wRwHjSQt_s2LPdYL9wLMGtNRipHw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODU2OTYwOGU3NzRkZTE5MzZmNzkyYjdhMjkwODcyNzQzNzYzMzViNDI3M2Q5NWY1MjYyNjI1MmE4ZTcxZDRiYy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8569608e774de1936f792b7a29087274376335b4273d95f52626252a8e71d4bc.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' bedroom source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1345\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A bedroom\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The bed was still made, like it hadn\u2019t been slept in today. Mark\u2019s car was in the driveway, so where was he?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That\u2019s when I heard it. A faint, muffled sound coming from the boys\u2019 room. I tiptoed over, my imagination running wild. Was Mark hurt? Had some psycho broken in and tied him up?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I pushed the door open, inch by inch, and\u2026\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat. The. Actual\u2014\u201d I bit my tongue, remembering the kids were just down the hall.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/NH4xi2eqvR_sa2eRzVrVYTxierctg5d6OPxFfNDea84\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTE0N2Y4ZWZjNzUxNjQ2N2I3YmVlZDUyMDJlNDc2YzAyNTc3NTk1MTViMmM3M2Q2OTg0NTU1MzAzNDllN2E4Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI0OCZoZWlnaHQ9ODI4.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e147f8efc7516467b7beed5202e476c0257759515b2c73d698455530349e7a86.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' shocked woman source: midjourney width='\"1248\"' height='\"828\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A shocked woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>There was Mark, headphones on, controller in hand, surrounded by empty energy drink cans and snack wrappers. But that wasn\u2019t even the craziest part.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The boys\u2019 room had been transformed into some kind of gamer paradise. A massive TV took up one wall, there were LED lights everywhere, and I\u2019m pretty sure that monstrosity in the corner was a mini-fridge.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stood there, mouth hanging open, as the rage built up inside me like a volcano about to blow. Mark hadn\u2019t even noticed me yet, too engrossed in whatever game he was playing.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/aTVUolvDkZgB9woLZL39buMGkwk3Olvgd-I9YGnmJuA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjIyZDJmMjI0ODdmZDQ2NTliOTMzMDI1NzljNzE4NGU2ODYwNjlkODBiNjZlM2QxNmUxMzIxOTZmNjY2MzY0ZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/222d2f22487fd4659b93302579c7184e686069d80b66e3d16e132196f666364e.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' man playing games source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man playing games\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stomped over and yanked the headphones off his head. \u201cMark! What the hell is going on?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He blinked at me, looking dazed. \u201cOh, hey babe. You\u2019re home early.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEarly? It\u2019s midnight! Why are our children sleeping on the floor?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He shrugged, reaching for his controller again. \u201cOh, it\u2019s fine. The boys were happy sleeping outside. They thought it was an adventure.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I snatched the controller away. \u201cAn adventure? They\u2019re not camping, Mark! They\u2019re sleeping on our dirty hallway floor!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ZMQ4-oZTBHJ0t44Fdl0WRQiwPjsTnKQERkQnXbMH6aw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjY5Y2U2Mjk5YWEyYjI5OWFiZGUwZDA3YmNhODUwMzg4NDUxY2NhZjA3Njc2NmU4NTliYTk1MTRiZmQwODJjOC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/269ce6299aa2b299abde0d07bca850388451ccaf076766e859ba9514bfd082c8.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' person holding a game controller source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A person holding a game controller\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cCome on, don\u2019t be such a buzzkill,\u201d he said, trying to grab the controller back. \u201cEverything\u2019s under control. I\u2019ve been feeding them and stuff.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cFeeding them? You mean the pizza boxes and ice cream in the living room?\u201d I could feel my blood pressure rising with every word. \u201cAnd what about baths? Or, I don\u2019t know, their actual beds?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Mark rolled his eyes. \u201cThey\u2019re fine, Sarah. Lighten up a bit.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That\u2019s when I lost it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/znsSQNPtlQkyBXR1vCatn8BRTTs_TkaovAZEwuxl3dE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDgwODUzY2RjZjk1MmQ2ZjEzYTYyMGY2MzkwOTNjN2IzZDM5N2M0Nzk0ZGI1OTUxZjhhNTc0YjM3OTA2NjFjNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI0MyZoZWlnaHQ9ODIx.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/480853cdcf952d6f13a620f639093c7b3d397c4794db5951f8a574b3790661c7.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' furious woman source: midjourney width='\"1243\"' height='\"821\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A furious woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLighten up? LIGHTEN UP? Our children are sleeping on the floor like animals while you play video games in their room! What is wrong with you?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNothing\u2019s wrong with me,\u201d he huffed. \u201cI\u2019m just trying to have a little me-time. Is that so terrible?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I took a deep breath, trying not to scream. \u201cYou know what? We\u2019re not doing this right now. Go put the boys in their beds. Now.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut I\u2019m in the middle of\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNOW, Mark!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He grumbled but got up, shuffling past me.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/LHMK34JG88FK7Dy-a9lsrfzWX1rWKAwqKonyhsD6rSA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjhhNmRjNWVjZDQ3OGZiMzQ5ZjJkOTk0ODkzMTYxOWFhNjVjNDAyYWQ0NWE1Y2RkNzlkN2MxMWNmNmE4OGNlNC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODMz.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f8a6dc5ecd478fb349f2d9948931619aa65c402ad45a5cdd79d7c11cf6a88ce4.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman pointing source: midjourney width='\"1256\"' height='\"833\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman pointing\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I watched him pick up Tommy, who stirred a little but didn\u2019t wake up. As Mark carried him to bed, I couldn\u2019t help but think how alike they looked: one actual child and the man acting like one.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I scooped up Alex, my heart breaking a little at how dirty his face was. As I tucked him into bed, I made a decision. If Mark wanted to act like a child, then that\u2019s exactly how I\u2019d treat him.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next morning, I put my plan into action.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/BUYhXtI9LeE9RaBOricNrucAxTP-X2OkNYuX_ZiyNTQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWFiODZjNWQ0YmY0ZGFhYTRlMzkwYmJkNmM2NGQ3OTUxNmViYTc3MGY5ZjgxMzZjOGFhNTI3ZjM3YzgwMjBiMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI3MyZoZWlnaHQ9ODQ3.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5ab86c5d4bf4daaa4e390bbd6c64d79516eba770f9f8136c8aa527f37c8020b1.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman glancing over her shoulder source: midjourney width='\"1273\"' height='\"847\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman glancing over her shoulder\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>While Mark was in the shower, I snuck into the man cave he\u2019d created and unplugged everything. Then I got to work.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When he came downstairs, hair still wet, I was waiting for him with a big smile. \u201cGood morning, sweetie! I made you breakfast!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He looked at me suspiciously. \u201cUh, thanks?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I set a plate in front of him. In the middle was a Mickey Mouse-shaped pancake with a smiley face made of fruit. His coffee was in a sippy cup.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/2NRz1Y3zqsog05JYmLLNxiLcODWS_3hLZuCcaNYHAPQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTk3MGI5ZWMyM2YyMmE4ODhlMWY1YjY2MTRiZjVhNjczN2YwZDNkZmU5MDIwOTVlZTM0OTEyZTAyZTlhODg2NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNiZoZWlnaHQ9ODEz.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9970b9ec23f22a888e1f5b6614bf5a6737f0d3dfe902095ee34912e02e9a8864.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' plate of decorated pancakes and fruit source: midjourney width='\"1226\"' height='\"813\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A plate of decorated pancakes and fruit\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d he asked, poking at the pancake.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s your breakfast, silly! Now eat up, we have a big day ahead of us!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After breakfast, I unveiled my masterpiece, a giant, colorful chore chart plastered on the fridge. \u201cLook what I made for you!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Mark\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhat the hell is that?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLanguage!\u201d I scolded. \u201cIt\u2019s your very own chore chart! See? You can earn gold stars for cleaning your room, doing the dishes, and putting away your toys!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMy toys? Sarah, what are you\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/wU5kRJ4yof72piQ5ZU0ZHFfq-2Jlb8UA-M6INC9fkjs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzBlZGJiZTU0YzliY2Y2NTM1ZDI3ZmJhNjA1ZGMyOGEyNmJhNWEzNjNiZWZiZTBiMzFlYmUwODE2YjExZTk5NS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI5MCZoZWlnaHQ9ODU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c0edbbe54c9bcf6535d27fba605dc28a26ba5a363befbe0b31ebe0816b11e995.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' frowning man source: midjourney width='\"1290\"' height='\"856\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A frowning man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I cut him off. \u201cOh, and don\u2019t forget! We have a new house rule. All screens off by 9 p.m. sharp. That includes your phone, mister!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Mark\u2019s face went from confused to angry. \u201cAre you kidding me? I\u2019m a grown man, I don\u2019t need\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAh, ah, ah!\u201d I wagged my finger. \u201cNo arguing, or you\u2019ll have to go to the timeout corner!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For the next week, I stuck to my guns. Every night at 9, I\u2019d shut off the Wi-Fi and unplug his gaming console.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Hpayb6Cr54gBUu9MgHTsO0y9WFljt4FyWfE9x_mZWjc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGIzNzQxYmU1NWNlYWUxYmJjMzc5ODY5NjE4ZTM0NzgyN2Q0YmNiYmMzNDU5YjNhNjQ2MmYyMmE5N2MzZWUxMy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzYwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0b3741be55ceae1bbc379869618e347827d4bcbbc3459b3a6462f22a97c3ee13.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding a plug source: unsplash width='\"2400\"' height='\"3600\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding a plug\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I even tucked him into bed with a glass of milk and read him \u201cGoodnight Moon\u201d in my most soothing voice.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His meals were served on plastic plates with little dividers. I cut his sandwiches into dinosaur shapes and gave him animal crackers for snacks. When he complained, I\u2019d say things like, \u201cUse your words, honey. Big boys don\u2019t whine.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The chore chart was a particular point of contention. Every time he completed a task, I\u2019d make a big show of giving him a gold star.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/vRm08WbxF9LD2ncpp7tcJveHnUAw34O3tw2bE6hq3D8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2QyMGM5YjgzYzQ5OWZkODgwYjgwYmM2MWVkMmVlYTU2ZjFiNTE4Y2RhM2QwMTkzNjdlMDcyYWY1ZjQ5YmJhYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNiZoZWlnaHQ9ODEy.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cd20c9b83c499fd880b80bc61ed2eea56f1b518cda3d019367e072af5f49bbab.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman gesturing to a chore chart source: midjourney width='\"1226\"' height='\"812\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman gesturing to a chore chart\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLook at you, putting your laundry away all by yourself! Mommy\u2019s so proud!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He\u2019d grit his teeth and mutter, \u201cI\u2019m not a child, Sarah.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>To which I\u2019d reply, \u201cOf course not, sweetie. Now, who wants to help make cookies?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The breaking point came about a week into my little experiment. Mark had just been sent to the timeout corner for throwing a fit about his two-hour screen time limit. He sat there, fuming, while I calmly set the kitchen timer.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/qKiRG_pb0f4U562TjPg9ymJS0m07N7Njx-JK7ldGUzU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODhlYWY0MjkyMDM3MGQwMTdlMTlhYjFjMjRhYTQ0OTgyNDU4MDY1ZjhiZTI4Yjk2ZWRhMDFhYzY1MTFkMWQxNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNSZoZWlnaHQ9ODEy.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/88eaf42920370d017e19ab1c24aa44982458065f8be28b96eda01ac6511d1d17.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' adult man in time-out source: midjourney width='\"1225\"' height='\"812\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An adult man in time-out\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThis is ridiculous!\u201d he exploded. \u201cI\u2019m a grown man, for God\u2019s sake!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I raised an eyebrow. \u201cOh? Are you sure about that? Because grown men don\u2019t make their children sleep on the floor so they can play video games all night.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He deflated a little. \u201cOkay, okay, I get it! I\u2019m sorry!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I studied him for a moment. He did look genuinely remorseful, but I wasn\u2019t going to let him off the hook when I had one last blow to deliver.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOh, I accept your apology,\u201d I said sweetly. \u201cBut I\u2019ve already called your mom\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/igUVYKoHZ-EPZecip7UNzy-YmOzJAg3a7JtlPvwiQP0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmRjY2YxMzc2MDhiYWU3ODYxYWI1ZDNhNTdlNzJiNjNhN2NiYzY4MzM3NmFlNzdiMDk2M2QyZTUwMzZjYTEyNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI5NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODYx.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/bdccf137608bae7861ab5d3a57e72b63a7cbc683376ae77b0963d2e5036ca127.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' smiling woman source: midjourney width='\"1294\"' height='\"861\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A smiling woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The color drained from his face. \u201cYou didn\u2019t.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Right on cue, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to reveal Mark\u2019s mother, looking every bit the disappointed parent.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMark!\u201d she bellowed, marching into the house. \u201cDid you really make my sweeties sleep on the floor so you could play your little games?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Mark looked like he wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole. \u201cMom, it\u2019s not\u2026 I mean, I didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/e_U9-PATyDM4PYgSzskECPFhsge-EYFxautaxemoErA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDIyYzc2MjM2MTMyMjNiNTIwNGU4YzU3MmM0NDdkZDExYmFhMzE4ZDA4MGQ4YWRlMWJlN2FjMTg0NWQ4OGY4NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI3NyZoZWlnaHQ9ODQ3.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/422c7623613223b5204e8c572c447dd11baa318d080d8ade1be7ac1845d88f84.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' remorseful man source: midjourney width='\"1277\"' height='\"847\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A remorseful man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She turned to me, her face softening. \u201cSarah, dear, I\u2019m so sorry you had to deal with this. I thought I raised him better than that.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I patted her arm. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Linda. Some boys just take longer to grow up than others.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Mark\u2019s face was beet red. \u201cMom, please. I\u2019m 35 years old!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Linda ignored him, turning back to me. \u201cWell, not to worry. I\u2019ve cleared my schedule for the next week. I\u2019ll whip this boy back into shape in no time!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/UBz43zeIuW2IxRM9ZWlggXuYDdSFIhF8dgFMNyLWKNg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjE0ZGI2OTM0Yzg3N2Y0ODZlYTRiYmUxZmRkMjJjZDYwNzE4YTE1ZDkwNGE3NzJlNWFlYWRlZDc0ZmQwMDUyNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f14db6934c877f486ea4bbe1fdd22cd60718a15d904a772e5aeaded74fd00526.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' elderly woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An elderly woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As Linda bustled off to the kitchen, muttering about the state of the dishes, I caught Mark\u2019s eye. He looked utterly defeated.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSarah,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI really am sorry. I was selfish and irresponsible. It won\u2019t happen again.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I softened a little. \u201cI know, honey. But when I\u2019m away, I need to know you\u2019ve got things under control. The boys need a father, not another playmate.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He nodded, looking ashamed. \u201cYou\u2019re right. I\u2019ll do better, I promise.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/_wll6DyLyS8V8UxEqPAslo6PITMdNnst5hX3qkbPeE0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZWZmNzRiZmFiOWMwYmI1YTM0YWUyMzJlZGM5ZTUzMzYwZDk3NjY0OTFiODgyNjI5MmE0ZTMxYmExNGJhY2YwZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/eff74bfab9c0bb5a34ae232edc9e53360d9766491b8826292a4e31ba14bacf0f.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' guilty-looking man source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A guilty-looking man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I smiled and gave him a quick kiss. \u201cI know you will. Now, why don\u2019t you go help your mother with the dishes? If you do a good job, maybe we can have ice cream for dessert.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As Mark trudged off to the kitchen, I couldn\u2019t help but feel a little smug. Lesson learned, I hoped. And if not\u2026 well, I still had that timeout corner ready and waiting.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>Here\u2019s another story:\u00a0When I arrived at my pregnant sister\u2019s house, I never expected to find her husband treating her like a servant. But what I did next, with a watermelon and a crazy bet, changed everything.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</i></p><p>I\u2019d been away on a business trip for a week, and let me tell you, I was itching to get home. My boys, Tommy and Alex, were probably bouncing off the walls waiting for me. Two boys playing in a living room I mean, a week is practically forever when you\u2019re 6 and 8. And [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6395,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6394"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6394\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6397,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6394\/revisions\/6397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></i></p></div></strong></p></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>