Yesterday was a special day: Jude’s end of the year picnic lunch with his preschool class and their families. Actually, it was for all sections of preschool so there were a lot of people at the park in town.
I felt fortunate that it was Josh’s regularly scheduled day off and that he was able to join us. Any help in kid-control, especially in a busy environment is appreciated. Check that, necessary.
To make a long story short, we dragged the kids off to the car and left before we even ate, just because they would not obey any of our instructions. The last straw was when we were feet within getting our own plates to eat when both of the kids were trying to escape our gasp so much that they were falling to the ground just to avoid patiently waiting in line. I would have even accepted impatiently waiting in line because they would have been in line at least. But no – they were bent on getting away from us, despite the warnings. We had let them play on the playground until the line was down to almost nothing before we even approached the line. We’re talking a matter of minutes here.
Oh, we were so frustrated, embarrassed, disappointed. Why do the simplest things have to be so difficult at times? So, as I mentioned, we followed through on our warnings to leave, and dragged those kids out of there. They cried the whole way home. Each turn we made closer to our house, the louder they protested, until eventually we were in our driveway and they couldn’t believe they weren’t at the park, eating, laughing, playing with all the other kids.
It’s not only the disobedience, it’s now the talking back. I consider myself fortunate that this hasn’t been too much of a problem until now. Jude’s starting to raise his voice and say – “That’s it! I’ve had enough!” when he’s being disciplined. Jett’s voice has taken on an angry tone, too. “Leave me alone!” is his current phrase of choice.
When we got home, Josh (after being the disciplinarian) thought he’d give them another chance and if they listened and obeyed and behaved appropriately the rest of the day, we’d have a picnic for supper.
Later that afternoon our friend Phillippe called and asked if we’d be interested in grilling with his family at the park. A good opportunity to relive the picnic experience. The kids did better the rest of the day so we ended the day on a high note – at the park with friends. And here are a few pictures of that.
Rad moves.
Dazed and dirty. That’s sand all over his face and shirt. It was over one whole side of his face at one point, so this is relatively clean for him.
Sweaty and ready for bed.
I’m proud of you for following through! That had to have been hard to do – a lot easier to say you’re going to do that than to actually do it! I’ve heard parents do that so many times – say “If you don’t behave, we are going to leave” and then give a second and third and fourth warning and never follow through. I’m glad you did. And I bet the next time they listen better. They really are good kids – just need to know that they have to listen. And you are definately good parents!! Keep up the good work!!
Oh gosh! I’ve been there, done that (but with only one wiggly boy)! My little guy hasn’t been easy in the discipline department either. But, with time and patience it has gotten a lot better. We couldn’t leave a park without him have a meltdown and becoming a crying mess from age 2-3. He always just wanted to STAY and play. Now at 4…his reasoning skills have tremendously improved and he has more self-control, thank goodness. Transitions from one activity to another have always been difficult for my little guy (park to home, going from playing to being expected to be patient and WAIT). I know that feeling you experienced while dragging them away… But, as parents, we become more compassionate people. We’ve all been there and understand! :o)