do as I say

So, papa was being naughty one Saturday afternoon at lunch time. C- caught licking peanut butter off the knife again. "Mama," she yelled "papa's putting his knife in his mouth again. He's not supposed to do that." I came in from the kitchen and scolded my husband. "How are we supposed to teach C- safety when you break the rules almost daily? We're not having any do as I say, not as I do mentality in this house."

Then C- told him he had to go stand in the hallway as punishment. "No," I said "this offense calls for harsher measures." "Papa, go upstairs, take off your clothes, get in bed, and wait for me." Smiling eyes met over the peanut butter and jelly sandwich; I winked at him and went back into the kitchen.

A few minutes later I heard C- following up: "But papa, mama said you have to take your clothes off and wait for her upstairs. Go ahead - do what mama said!"