My child, Aiden O., was not so well behaved in the store today. When we got home, his punishment was to stay inside while his siblings played with bikes and trucks outside. I held Maya and put the groceries away while listening to our little fire whimper and say, "I'm sorry, I said I'm sorry Mom..." I let him know that this didn't start with me, it started with his father, so he needed to communicate with Daddy.
As I walked out of the kitchen, Aiden told his Daddy, "I'm sorry Daddy."
Daddy: "For what?"
Aiden: " For not listening to you at the store."
Daddy.....long pause (you see whether we want to admit it or not, we are both very new to this parenting stuff still...after 7.5 years, 5 children, different personalities with every child, and one failed parenting attempt after another, it seems we have to really think about what to do! We've got the kids fooled though...they think we know it all!!!)
Oh yeah, Daddy: "Well, what are you gonna do about it then?"
Aiden: "I don't know"
Daddy: "Well, then you need to think about it...you can come outside and think about it if you want..... Aiden, are you coming outside?"
Aiden: "No..."
Moments later, after Daddy went outside, Aiden sneaks into the living room and whispers, "Mommy, what am I going to do about it?"
Mommy: (hoping Daddy can't hear me offering advice) "Be good at the store, and listen to Daddy when he tells you to do something."
Aiden is outside playing with his siblings, I guess it worked!!!
2 comments:
Well said. Its funny we are the parents and yet they seem to teach us so much more. Its crazy how that works. What a sweet boy you have. Don't you just love it when they come to you after the have gotten in trouble with daddy. They are just too cute you can't stay mad too long! So glad he figured it out. By the way you say my family is just perfect to you...funny cuz I think the same about your family. You all have been an example to so many. As we all are better for knowing and learning from your example. Even your babies have taught me so much. How truly wise you and Steve are. Merry Christmas. Miss you and your beautiful family.
I don't blame you for not know exactly how to handle children! Just wait till you have a 12 yr old...the challenges get even more difficult! We too are learning as we go, and calling mom often ;o)
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