Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Not an Idol post

I was planning to come on today to post about American Idol last night. Is it just me, or was last night really boring? I didn’t love anyone’s performance, and I’m sad to say that I think Brooke is going home. Even my boy David C didn’t “wow” me like usual, and it seemed like his cranium was way more massive than normal. Did you see him standing next to Ryan? He looked like an orange on a toothpick (name that reference for bonus points).

So, instead of posting about a boring week of AI, I find myself thinking about other things - namely my oldest child. I know that I don’t post about her much. It isn’t that I don’t love her, because I do. She’s an amazing child. Sometimes I forget she’s only 3 (almost 4) years old, because she seems so much wiser than her years. I guess that is why I don’t post about her much. Well-behaved children don’t make interesting blogging fodder.

But yesterday she did something naughty. When I picked her up at daycare, I noticed she was wearing a fairly nice watch. It was a silver butterfly watch with a pink band – very cute. I asked her where she got the watch, and I even asked her teacher, but no one seemed to know. I didn’t get a straight answer until we were in the car. It was then that G told me her teacher gave her the watch for being good. I was still suspicious, but I left it there. It wasn’t until dinner that I learned the truth – because her 2 year-old sister ratted her out. Just as I had suspected, G had stolen the watch from another child at daycare.

I actually didn’t get mad at her (which amazed me, since I tend to over-react). I calmly told her that I was very disappointed and that as a punishment she would be going to bed with no stories. She would have to return the watch the next day, and to say that she is sorry.

She was very sad and remorseful, and I think she understood that she did something wrong. It still didn’t keep her from trying to manipulate me into reading her a story. She kept coming into Bryn’s room while I was reading to her. Each time I would put the book down and ask her to leave. G was so sad. Finally her sister was in bed, so I went into G’s room. Instead of story time, I turned off the light. She was so sad – she LOVES story time. She kept making comments to me like:

Mommy – do you want me to be sad, or do you want me to be happy? If you want me to be happy, then I need my story. It’s not fair that I can’t have my story.

I simply responded to her that the poor little girl with the missing watch is probably at home right now crying, and is it not fair that you made her sad. I also tried to explain to her that she is being punished, and that usually makes people sad. I told her that I do love her, and want her to be happy, but she also needs to learn not to take other’s property.

Sometimes being a parent is so difficult. I want to teach her what is right, and I worry that she just isn’t getting it. I’m sure it’s only going to get worse too.

9 comments:

LisserB said...

I think you handled the watch situation beautifully! You made her think, and hopefully understand.

I actually enjoyed AI last night, but I agree that Brooke will be the one heading home.

Koreena said...

Sounds like you dealt with the situation really well! I don't think I would've been so patient. You're a great mom. And good for you for sticking to your decided punishment. It's always so hard for me not to just give in, but you really taught her a lesson.

I think Brooke is going home too, which makes me really sad. I enjoy her, but I think she's just messed up too many times for people to forgive her anymore.
(Is the quote from "So I Married an Axe Murderer"?)

Kristine said...

Great job Christie! I agree with the others that you handled it very well. The hardest part is not giving in to what they want, especially if they've already shown remorse. You'll have to post an update :)

Kristine said...

P.S. Yes, you do have the word verify thing on your blog :P

Lynita said...

I think it is very good for kids to learn that just because they deserve to be happy, it doesn't always happen. Much of that has to do with the choices we make and the consequences of those choices. Shoot, aren't we all still learning that lesson? Way to go, parenting is not easy at all, but keep up the good work.

carrie said...

I totally agree on American Idol.... It was SUCH a bummer week. :o(
As for the watch incident (ha ha), I'm proud of you!! That would be so hard to just not yell. (I'm sure I would have, to be completely honest) Wouldn't life be so great if we all got watches for being good??!! ha ha You have got to give her one for creativity, at least. :o) I remember stealing once when I was little, and my Mom made me take the candy back to the store and tell the manager. (I was about her age, too) I can still remember it...and exactly what the guy looked like. I was humiliated....and I think admitting what you did and facing that is the hardest part. Good luck!!

tiburon said...

You handled that situation way better than I did! I would have flipped out. You are right though - being a parent is tough. :(

Anne Marie said...

I love her reasoning - "Do you want me to be happy?" I think it is so cute when kids start doing that. Never too early to try to manipulate your parents! I think you did a great job. It's a lesson she will always remember.

Heather said...

I loved the So I Married an Axe Murderer quote - I swear I watched that show twenty times when I was in high school.

I think you handled the situation with your daughter well. I love blogs - I'm getting so many good insights on how to parent!