Consequences For Our Actions

We have stood firm on loosing privileges as a form of discipline in our home. Pretty much though up to now the privileges have been simple things like loosing toys, books or the right to watch a TV program. Selena excepted loosing these privileges and life moved on.

This weekend however, our library was holding a birthday party for Dr. Seuss. I thought Selena would enjoy going, being around the other children, and just have some fun. On Saturday morning she woke up vey crabby, why? I still have no idea. It seemed as though she was getting in a much better mood, so I ran her bath to get ready to go to the birthday party. Selena went in as usual undressed and climbed right in the tub, to my amazement though she refused to sit down and take an actual bath. After numerous attempts, and explanations on why we were taking a bath, and why we were going to the library, Selena still refused to cooperate. I drained the water, pulled her out and dressed her. I then informed her that we were not going to the birthday party. The day went on just like it would had I pulled some other privilege away from her. 

This morning we got ready to go to church. Selena took her bath, got dressed, the whole routine of getting ready for church. As we were leaving, she informed me that we were going to the birthday party. I looked at her and explained, no that the birthday party was yesterday, we were going to church. Selena suddenly announced, no, I am in a better mood today, so we can go to the birthday party. We then had to explain that the world does not revolve around her moods, and that the birthday party did not get put on hold until she was in a better mood. That in fact they went on ahead and had the birthday party without her.

I know she was disappointed in herself. However, she excepted the fact that she lost the privilege of going, and her little life went on. She did ask if we could try to the birthday party next year. We went off to church and not another word has been said about missing the birthday party.

On a positive note though last night at dinner we had green beans. Now if you have been following my blog for any time, you know that Selena does not eat vegetables, well that she didn’t eat vegetables. She actually ate all 5 green beans on her plate last night and actually liked them. Way to go Selena!