Be careful what you wish for...
Mr. Logical, my 10 yr old son, has developed quite the know-it-all disposition lately. As in he knows how to do everything better than us. He's quick to point out all of the "mistakes" we're making with our parenting decisions. He points out every single perceived inconsistency whether he knows the full story or not. Basically, if Mr. Inc and I say the grass is green, Mr. L says, "No, it's really more of a greenish yellow." It drives my husband CRAZY.
This morning, it came down to toast. Such a small thing really. Mr. L asked for toast and I made it for him. He did offer to make it himself, but I was already in the kitchen so I said I'd do it. I gave them their toast and started to clean the kitchen. Mr. L asked for cinnamon toast. I told him we were out of sugar. He reminded me that dad bought powdered sugar. Since I wanted to avoid the inevitable powdered sugar mess and it was already 10am, I said I didn't want to pull it all out. I told him I really needed to finish cleaning the kitchen so I could get to everything else we need to do today. And that's when Mr. L. went too far. He said, and I quote, "If you can't even put cleaner in a dishwasher to wash dishes, you really ARE in trouble!" Then he laughed. To be fair, he didn't say it in a mean tone. He really was joking...at my expense. He still went to far.
I smiled. Not a happy smile. More of the Cheshire Cat kind of smile. His laugh trailed off and for a second, I saw a flash of "Uh oh, what did I do?" before looking me in the eye as if to say, "Yeah, I said it. Was I wrong?". I'm a big fan of natural consequences because I think we learn the most by reaping the consequences, both good and bad, of our decisions. So what's the natural consequence for someone that thinks they have all the answers? Let him live out those answers. Ergo (love that word), Mr. L. is now in charge of the day. I generously wrote out a list of everything that has to be done today. After all, we all have responsibilities to take care of before we do what we want.
So we'll see how this day goes. Miss Firecracker has already picked up today's new world order and has started go to Mr. L for everything. I'm sitting here writing a blogpost and cuddling with my little man.. We'll play blocks later. And maybe the wii. I might complain a little bit about being hungry then choose to not like what Mr. L makes.
Lest you think I'm just being mean, I actually think this will be a good lesson for him. Hopefully he will see how much work goes into our day. I'm also interested to see how he handles things because like it or not, it will be a reflection of myself. I think I'll see some areas where I need to give him more latitude, a few areas where I need to reevaluate my own attitudes and patterns, and I pray he'll lighten up for a least a couple of days. =)
This morning, it came down to toast. Such a small thing really. Mr. L asked for toast and I made it for him. He did offer to make it himself, but I was already in the kitchen so I said I'd do it. I gave them their toast and started to clean the kitchen. Mr. L asked for cinnamon toast. I told him we were out of sugar. He reminded me that dad bought powdered sugar. Since I wanted to avoid the inevitable powdered sugar mess and it was already 10am, I said I didn't want to pull it all out. I told him I really needed to finish cleaning the kitchen so I could get to everything else we need to do today. And that's when Mr. L. went too far. He said, and I quote, "If you can't even put cleaner in a dishwasher to wash dishes, you really ARE in trouble!" Then he laughed. To be fair, he didn't say it in a mean tone. He really was joking...at my expense. He still went to far.
I smiled. Not a happy smile. More of the Cheshire Cat kind of smile. His laugh trailed off and for a second, I saw a flash of "Uh oh, what did I do?" before looking me in the eye as if to say, "Yeah, I said it. Was I wrong?". I'm a big fan of natural consequences because I think we learn the most by reaping the consequences, both good and bad, of our decisions. So what's the natural consequence for someone that thinks they have all the answers? Let him live out those answers. Ergo (love that word), Mr. L. is now in charge of the day. I generously wrote out a list of everything that has to be done today. After all, we all have responsibilities to take care of before we do what we want.
So we'll see how this day goes. Miss Firecracker has already picked up today's new world order and has started go to Mr. L for everything. I'm sitting here writing a blogpost and cuddling with my little man.. We'll play blocks later. And maybe the wii. I might complain a little bit about being hungry then choose to not like what Mr. L makes.
Lest you think I'm just being mean, I actually think this will be a good lesson for him. Hopefully he will see how much work goes into our day. I'm also interested to see how he handles things because like it or not, it will be a reflection of myself. I think I'll see some areas where I need to give him more latitude, a few areas where I need to reevaluate my own attitudes and patterns, and I pray he'll lighten up for a least a couple of days. =)
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