Runaway Child

We had a good lesson learned today.

I was paying my membership at the Y. (A WHOLE other story on how my membership expired, I never got mail about it, I left several messages trying to pursue this...I finally got it settled today). I told the kids to stay near me.

Luke plucked a glass ball off the tree and shattered it on the floor. Silas pushed Hattie AND Luke down at separate times. I was sweating, as I had to RE-FILL OUT my membership form. Then, it went something like this:

Silas: Mom, Can I go get Hattie?

Me: Silas, don't bother me, I'm almost done.

Silas: I just want to go get her.

Me: Where is she?

Silas: She went outside.

Me: Stay here with Luke.

I go running outside just in time to see the top of Hattie's head go down the steps to the parking lot. I called her back.

At this point, I was just upset. Not mad, but frustrated. My kids weren't listening to me, I was having a time settling the Y business and my daughter just walked out of the building.

Well, Silas and Hattie sat still while I finished the application stuff. When we got in the car, I gave the lecture of their short little lives. I was very calm and I didn't yell. But I told them about the importance of obedience. I told them that there are bad people that will take children away from their parents. That is why you should always stay near mommy or daddy. I also told them acting the right way in public (not breaking things, not pushing, etc) is important so that they will turn into people that other want to be around. Oh if you could have just heard me.

I think I got my point across. I hope so. When I was done, Hattie said, I will change mama, don't worry.