Being a parent can be a very difficult job that comes with highs and lows. While being a parent is certainly rewarding, there are occasions when parents wonder whether their child is truly heeding their words or understanding the life lessons being taught to them.

Clint Edwards is a father who recently found himself in one of these situations with his son.

Clint is a writer who wrote the book “Honest, Hilarious Stories From a Father of Three Who Made All the Mistakes (and Made up for Them).” Clint also runs a popular blog where he recently recounted a story about his 11 year-old son Tristan.

“I often describe my 11yo as an immovable slug of a boy, so when I asked him to help me unload dirt from our small pickup into his mother’s new garden boxes, his reaction was typical,” Clint wrote.

Tristan was only half-listening, as he was busy sitting on the couch playing video games. Clint did not see this lazy activity as being worthwhile at all.

Though Tristan grumbled and protested, Clint was able to force him outside and got him to work. After a few minutes, Tristan asked why they were going through the trouble of dirtying themselves and shoveling dirt in the first place. That’s when Clint decided to teach him a crucial lesson in life about doing something kind for the lady of the house.

Though Clint does not like gardening, his wife Mel does, which is why he was out there for her.

“When you love someone, you serve them,” he said.

Clint went on to say that he wants his son to grow up to be a good man who serves his family and community. Pointing to the garden, Clint said that this was what love looks like, but he thought Tristan was not satisfied with this.

The next day, however, Mel was trying to unload another pack of dirt when Tristan volunteered to help her. When she asked him why, he told her, “Because I love you.”

When Mel later told Clint about this, he realized that he had gotten through to Tristan with his speech. It’s those kind of moments that make the tough parenting moments worthwhile!