I returned home from a week-long trip, eager to reunite with my family, only to find my kids sleeping on the hallway floor. The house was in disarray, with pizza boxes and soda cans scattered everywhere. My husband, Mark, was nowhere to be found, but the sound of video games led me to the kids’ room.
That’s when I discovered the shocking transformation. Mark had converted their room into a gamer’s paradise, complete with a massive TV, LED lights, and a mini-fridge. My anger boiled over as I realized he had prioritized gaming over our children’s well-being.
Mark’s nonchalance only fueled my frustration. “The kids were fine sleeping on the floor; it was an adventure,” he said. But I saw the situation for what it was – a selfish indulgence.
Determined to teach Mark a lesson, I decided to treat him like a child. I started small, serving him a Mickey Mouse-shaped pancake and coffee in a sippy cup. But that was just the beginning.
I created a chore chart, complete with gold stars for completed tasks, and enforced a 9 p.m. screen time curfew. I read him “Goodnight Moon” and served animal crackers for snacks. Mark’s frustration grew, but I stood firm.
The final blow came when I called his mother, who arrived just in time to see Mark in the timeout corner. His embarrassment was palpable as his mother scolded him for making our kids sleep on the floor.
Mark finally apologized, acknowledging his selfish behavior. I accepted his apology, but not before his mother offered to help him “get back in shape.”
As Mark helped his mother with the dishes, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. My creative revenge had achieved its goal – Mark understood that our children needed a responsible father, not another playmate.
In the end, Mark vowed to do better, and I believed him. Our kids deserved a father who prioritized their needs, and I was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that happened.
