Follow Through

Dear Jaida, last Saturday you were forced to stay home from the "Ahoy, Pirates" everyone else went to. You were also the most excited for it. After all morning of ignoring my requests, not doing your chores, being mean to Kayla, yelling at me, not eating your lunch and not getting off the computer when I asked we had finally had enough. About 30 minutes after everyone had left you got on your jacket and decided you were going to walk there. I said something like, "Jaida you don't want to bring more trouble." You were also surprisingly willing to talk about the situation telling me matter-of-factly that, no, this punishment would do nothing to help your behavior. I disagree. It's been a week since that has happened and I think there has only been one time that you have not turned off the computer when I've asked. Yesterday your job was to clean the bathroom and in you went to clean. The whole thing has made for a better relationship for everyone (for this week).

I hated keeping you home because I knew how bad you wanted to go but I think following through was good medicine for all.

p.s. I'm not exactly sure why, but you ran all the way back to the park yesterday to get Kayla's tap shoes, thank you!