I know I am not always right, but sometimes I am.
Why not give a 5 year old boy a pocket knife? I tried to explain to Joe that it's not a good idea. He thinks it's good for Sterling, so he can get used to knives. What possible good could come from a 5 year old spastic kid with a knife? No good at all. I went outside to get a little exercise, and this is what I found
Does anyone else agree it's a BAD IDEA to give a 5 YEAR OLD BOY A KNIFE????? It's taking me everything I've got right now, not to scream on the top of my lungs, and wack him upside the head!
I try to teach my kids right from wrong, but wonder whenever something like this happens, if anything gets through their heads. The worst part is, that if I were to say something like: "Now you can't have a trampoline anymore", he comes back with"I didn't want one anyways". How do I make him realize that it's not about what HE wants. It's about the $150 it cost me to get him, AND my other kids, AND friends that come over, a fun thing to do outside. That it's about my sanity on the days that they are driving me insane inside, and all I can do is make jump to use extra energy. It's about his total disregard for other people's property.
Because of my high emotions, I decided Joe needs to be the one to give Sterling a consequence. And it better be good. Like... no nightlight for 2 months. Or no allowance for the next 10 years. Or no duck for his birthday, which he has been wanting for almost a year. Or maybe he can unload the dishwasher for the next 3 years. Or fold my laundry, clean my bathrooms, or start a paper route?
no picture?
ReplyDeleteI totally sympathize with you. 5 year olds do not need nor should have knives.
ReplyDeleteI think I would be equally mad at the one who gave him the knife in the first place. Maybe HE should do the dishes for 3 years! hee hee
I am sorry about the trampoline. Good luck!
So, although this stinks and I would be equally furious, you can get a hole that size patched. Our tramp bed is the same one we had growing up and has been patched a zillion times (not quite the sturdiest thing, but it will do). I'm not sure if there is a place near you, but to get a rip sewn up runs about $30 around here. Oh and I am very curious to learn what Joe comes up with as far as punishment goes!
ReplyDeleteYep, he definitely needs a consequence. The question is, Which consequence would do the best job of teaching him the right lesson?
ReplyDeleteI can imagine giving consequences might be the hardest part of parenting. So sorry, but I hope everything works out well.
ReplyDeleteThat makes me so mad to think about on your behalf that I just snapped at Asher after reading it. Sheesh. Good luck dealing with that, Joe.
ReplyDeleteI guess make him earn the money it takes to get it repaired. And I guess he loses the privilege of owning a knife...
ReplyDeletehard lessons to learn!
Good Luck!
did you not like my earlier comment?
ReplyDeleteOh my. I laughed so hard I cried when I read your post. 5 year old dod not need knives! Did he come up with a good consequence?
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll stand up with a target on my chest. Our children do not learn by being protected (Fie on 5 yr. olds do not need knives). They do learn in various ways, but the most effective is by experimenting and facing consequences. He's probably already learned a lesson by suffering his mother's disdain and ridicule, but any further reinforcing consequences need to be tied to the destruction, not to some nebulous, revenge-centric thing like night-lites or dishes. He may SAY he doesn't care if he looses tramp privileges, but being banished is still an effective, direct consequence.
ReplyDeleteIn your Fa-in-law's opinion.