09/03/2026
Here is a story to remind everyone that there are some amazing parents raising kids with respect and accountability as core values.
Two families came in to paint together - three boys and three girls with their dads. When the boys were done painting, they went to the bathroom to wash up but they got a little rambunctious...turning off the lights and shutting the door so the person in the bathroom was in complete darkness, splashing water at each other and getting it all over the floor, standard bathroom gags. Nothing that we haven't seen a million times before.
But here's where things got interesting...
When the two dads found out what happened, they made the boys go back to the bathroom and clean up the mess they made. And after cleaning up, they instructed boys to wait outside until the girls were done painting.
Neither dad raised their voice. There was no drama. They were calm and composed while getting their message across clearly: respect and accountability are not negotiable. The boys understood and accepted their "banishment" without any attempt to plead their case.
The next day, one of the boys returned to the studio but this time he was with his mom and sister. He sheepishly looks at me and hands me a note. It was a hand-written apology! Mom definitely got wind of what happened and did her part to reinforce the same message her husband delivered the day before.
Of course, I read the note, immediately accepted his apology, shook his hand, and all was right in the world.
So, kudos to these parents and all the parents out there raising their kids to accept responsibility for their actions, treat others with respect, and to use moments like these as teaching opportunities.
Here is the apology note. The boy's name is redacted as the Plaster Carousel Bathroom Investigation Squad feels it's best to preserve his anonymity. 😀
