Intelligent pilot,
I appreciate the style, content and apparent honesty of your post, #44 of this thread.
My Dad always told me not to make threats that I would not follow through on, though with no internet and poor communication in those days I was not able to establish his reasoning. Now that we all have google as our friend I can provide links these two sources of more understanding. I am sure that there are many more available.
Empty Threats and Fake Promises: Big Mistakes:
Empty Threats and Fake Promises: Big Mistakes - HealthyPlace
For ”your children” substitute “your employer”.
Same for:
Beware of Empty Threats | Baby Sitting World