Twice in two weeks I have forgotten to bring Brady’s scooter and helmet home after we got to school. Usually Kyle and I walk and Brady scoots, sailing down the hill, arriving long before us. We leave the scooter and helmet with the crossing guard or in the “cage” where all the kids keep their wheels, and I grab them on my way back home.
Friday was the second time I forgot. The scooter and helmet stayed in the cage all weekend, thank goodness, and I collected two scooters and two helmets today.
The first time, we were on our way home after school in the car when Brady gasped and shouted “MY SCOOTER!” He was shocked that I forgot it. Then disappointed. He said “You’re punished!” and then he thought about it.
“No more working,” he declared.
“Why?”
“Because you love to work, and you’re punished, so no more working today.”
That was my punishment. I stuck to it, chastised. If he saw me glance at my phone, he gave me the stink eye. “No working, remember!”
And so it is today, too.
Technically, this isn’t working, is it? It’s more like journaling, really. It helps my brain slow down. I’ve been reading a lot about parenting lately – not on purpose, it’s just what I’ve been picking up or clicking – and last night I made a conscious choice to be more conscious when I am present with my family. To be truly present. To not get distracted by what’s next, or what should be next, or what I wish wasn’t next. It’s a resolution that deserves repeating, often.
I took the boys to the dentist today. They got entries in The Cavity Free Club. So that’s something.
Right there with you, lady. And how did they grow so much since I saw them in September?!
Wish I could get punished like that. But I’m afraid I would’ve thrown it back at my little angel: “Hey, it’s your scooter!” Or in our case, a RipStik.
Didn’t I walk back with you Friday? It’s my fault ….
I need to be punished! Working way too much and need to be in the moment. That Brady is one smart kid!