So, I work as a Park Ranger and we run this thing called the Junior Ranger program. If you’re not familiar with it, essentially kids (normally about 4-13) can complete a workbook or attend a program to earn a Junior Ranger badge. The goal is to get them to learn things about the park, nature, and how to take care of natural spaces. It’s a great program and I was actually a Junior Ranger as a child. My mom (not the narcissist) loved National Parks and we were constantly going to them on vacation.

Anyway, once the kids complete their packet or the program, we do this swearing-in ceremony. There isn’t an exact script we have to follow, so everyone’s swear-ins are different. The gist is that they need to promise to stay on trail, not feed the wildlife, etc. But some people like to make the kids promise other stuff as well like to make their bed or clean their room. The ones that get me are when they make them promise to obey their parents, or love their parents/siblings. It’s all for fun. I know they just can’t think of a reason why kids wouldn’t love and obey their parents. I can’t bring myself to do it though. Especially since the parents like to record the swear-in and some of them make comments like, “It’s on tape now! You have to do it!” Again, I’m sure it’s mostly in good humor, but I can just imagine an Nparent using that to blackmail their kid down the road.

TLDR: My coworkers make children promise to love and obey their parents. The parents often record it and I can just imagine an Nparent using that as blackmail.