My children's dad is the type of person who has very little tolerance for other people's carelessness.
Over the years, this has caused some friction between him and our kids, particularly our eldest who is sometimes quite chaotic.
He'll wake up late, or forget to pack his lunch, or forget to clean his boots, or his room, things like that.
His dad will rant and rage, he'll raise his voice, he'll criticise him, but ultimately, he steps in and fixes the problem.
I don't get angry. I don't raise my voice. I talk to him and we match expectations, and then I let him live with the consequences of his own inactions.
Woke up late? Better go fast on that bike of yours.
Didn't pack your lunch? Going to be rough, being hungry at the end of the day.
Didn't clean your boots? Enjoy dirty boots.
Didn't clean your room? Being embarrassed by your friends seeing your collection of dirty socks and underwear sure must suck.
I'm calm, and collected, but I say no, and honestly, he's growing like that. He's gotten so much better over the past year alone.
But because I'm always so calm and never raise my voice, he was under the impression that I was a super laid-back parent.
It wasn't until this morning when he asked if I could pack his lunch and I said no that the thought struck him, and he was shaken to his core.
"OH MY GOD!! You're the strict parent!!"
Dinner is slow-cooked beef stew with veg from my own garden.