Mom declares, determined not to be outdone by his resistant behavior. Zachary begins to cry loudly as Mom, with great frustration, pulls off his clothes for his impending bath. This power struggle continues through Zachary's bath, pajamas, tooth brushing, and abruptly ends with a lone good night kiss. Exhausted, Mom proceeds down the stairs hoping for some much needed quiet. Irritated that he quiet time will be postponed, Mommy hurries with the requested water and a brisk trip to the bathroom.
Mom slams the door firmly and stamps down the stairs.
She sits heavily in front of the television, feeling guilty, knowing that she left Zachary huddled in his bed crying. It's not the same, he's not an adult. Besides, I'm the parent. True, your child is not yet an adult. However, he is a person.