Chapter 22 - Lily’s rule
Lily made a rule of her own.
“No secret discipline.”
She was ten by then.
Her therapist helped translate it into adult terms.
Adults could enforce normal rules.
Teachers.
Parents.
Grandparents in approved circumstances.
But no adult was allowed to tell Lily:
Don’t tell Mom or Dad because they’ll overreact.
No:
This stays between us.
No delayed phone access as punishment when she wanted a parent because she felt unsafe.
We explained an important difference.
Surprises are okay.
Birthday present.
Secret card.
Privacy is okay.
A friend sharing something personal within safe boundaries.
Safety secrets are different.
If an adult’s behavior makes you scared, hurt, or confused and they tell you not to tell your parent, tell.
Simple.
Not perfect.
Useful.
Daniel learned the rule too.
He said:
“I should’ve had it at thirty-six.”
May you like
I answered:
“Yes.”
