The kids wanted me to take them to a particular function at the library. I had planned to take them, though I really didn’t feel enthusiastic about it. I had woken up that morning with little energy once again, but I thought if the kids would all cooperate and help me it would be okay.
I gave a little pep talk, stating specifically that I would take them if and only if every one of them was ready and waiting by the door by the time the timer rang. I gave them plenty of time for the task. Still, I kept hearing them playing around upstairs instead of getting ready. A couple of times I shouted a reminder of how many minutes they had left to be ready and at the door, but when the timer rang, not a single one of them was there.
“Okay, kiddos, the timer rang and you are not down here, so we’re not going.”
One of my children in particular pitched a huge fit and was furious that I wasn’t going to take them to the library. Thirty minutes later I was still seated opposite her talking about what had happened and why her outburst was wrong. She sat glaring at me, eyes narrowed and lips pursed. Finally I asked, “Are you trying to keep from crying, or are you purposely looking at me with that mean expression?”
“I’m trying to keep from crying, because I had a dream that I cried and cried after I got in trouble and my eyes turned green, and I don’t want my eyes to turn greeeeeeeeen!”
I couldn’t help but laugh and wonder how much of what I say ever actually gets through to my children!
Way to go for following through.
And that is too cute.
And same way there are consequences for our family there are consequences for us when we disobey GOD
Way to go sticking to your guns! Isn’t it funny/cute what little kids imagine in their little heads! The poor little thing thought her eyes would turn green! LOL.
I was not expecting that at the end LoL! In her dream those must have been “nasty” green eyes!
When my children were small we had a few arrangements they were well acquainted with. One involved the monthly shopping trips into town (torture, but necessary) and the other dealt with what happens after they get a “no” or “maybe” answer. A “maybe” automatically turned to “no” if they pestered me about it. I would let them know as soon as I decided and not before. A “no” could change to “yes” if I rethought it and let them know, however asking again after I said “no” meant the original answer held regardless of whether I’d changed my mind.
One day they had a friend at the house (I was babysitting her for the summer) and they wanted to go somewhere. I must have told them I would think about it. My kids went on about their business. The friend comes up to me and starts pestering and whining and going on like crazy. I looked at my daughter and said, “you might like to let her know what happens if I get repeatedly asked about something you want.” My daughter looks at her friend and says, “you better stop, if you don’t she gaurrrraaannteeees we won’t get what we ask for. And my mom really means it.”
I think they were 7 at the time 🙂 It was cute in retrospect.
Great job with the follow through. I think at times it hurts us more then the kids but they have to learn there are consequences for their actions… especially when they knew them up front.
Not enough parents let their kids want for anything. What they really teach them is bad behavior (throwing a fit) will get you what you want… Unfortunately it doesn’t work in the real world… only in politics and Hollywood.
~ Mona : )
I love that you followed through! And green eyes…that would have been something to see! We talk about consequences a lot around here too!