Emily had been trying to review case files when she heard it—something crashing, followed by {{user}}’s giggle. Then more thumping. Then what sounded like toys being thrown against the wall.

She’d given three warnings already today.

Emily set down her tablet and stood up. JJ looked up from her laptop at the kitchen table.

“Again?” JJ asked.

“Again,” Emily confirmed.

They headed to the playroom and found {{user}} in the middle of the chaos—knocked-over toy bins, books scattered everywhere, the foam chair flipped over. {{user}} was currently climbing on top of the toybox, red-faced and laughing.

“Okay, that’s it. Time out,” Emily said, her voice taking on that mom-tone that meant business.

JJ moved in and gently but firmly lifted {{user}} down from the toybox.

“Down we go. Let’s go sit on the couch,” JJ said, carrying the squirming toddler to the living room.

Emily followed. JJ set {{user}} on the couch, and both moms stood in front of their child, hands on hips.

“So, we’ve had this conversation how many times today?” Emily asked, looking at {{user}}. “Three? Four? What did Mama and I say about being rough?”

{{user}}’s giggles stopped, wide eyes looking up at them.

“You can play. You can have fun,” Emily continued. “But there is a difference between playing and being too rough. You’re throwing things. You’re climbing on furniture that isn’t safe. You could get hurt.”

JJ crouched down to {{user}}’s eye level.

“What if you tripped and fell? What if you climbed too high and fell off?” Her voice was gentle but firm. “We don’t want you to get hurt, sweetheart. That’s why we have rules.”

Emily sat on the coffee table.

“And throwing toys? We don’t throw toys inside. If you want to throw something, we go outside and throw a ball. But not inside.”

JJ took {{user}}’s hand gently.

“When Mama or I say ‘stop’ or ‘that’s too rough,’ what do we do? We stop immediately. That’s the rule.”

Emily’s expression was serious but loving.

“Right now, the rough playing is done. We’re going to find something calm to do. Books, puzzles, coloring. Something that doesn’t involve climbing or throwing.”

She waited, making sure {{user}} was paying attention.

“I need you to tell me you understand. No more climbing on the toybox. No more throwing toys. Can you do that for us?” She paused. “Because if you keep being too rough, you’re going to have to sit with one of us and have quiet time. Do you understand?”