This afternoon, as a treat, I collected Daniel and the 2 of us stopped at the shop to buy him a juice. I had to draw money, so I tried keeping an eye on him and asked him not to run away. Which he, of course, promptly did. And there I was, waiting for the machine to spit out my last 100 ront and not able to run after him.
Which left me with a choice: not make a big deal and buy him the juice or make a point. Today, I chose the point. He was escorted firmly from the shop (when I finally found him shopping for stickers) and put back into the car. I told him why he wasn’t getting a juice and he was very unhappy with me. He even said “Mamma, jy maak my kwaad” through floods of tears.
I just wanted to get the point accross that he should listen when Mommy asks him not to run away. I had visions of someone grabbing my child and running like mad. There are so many emails going around about abductions, I am nervous.
Which of course led to an extended conversation with hubby about the line between paranoid and realistic. He thinks I am a little paranoid. I think I’m being realistic. To which I asked what would need to happen for me to not look paranoid? No answer to that one. So, I’d rather be paranoid and safe, thanks very much.
Lastly, a quick Danielism: he was sitting in the bath a showing hubby a little scratch on his toe and said: “Pappa, my toon is gebreek!”. 🙂
I think paranoia is order at the moment.
I think being extra cautious is very important. All the horror scares we read about seem to be when parents have let their guard down, just a tiny bit! There are also too many cars around for little children to be running off on their own. Well done for making a point out of this one.
Well, even if there was no threat to his life – the point is that he was disobedient, so a lesson should have been learnt.
Next time – listen to mommy! 😉
Rather safe than sorry is my motto!
You had to make a point here Tania. This is the only way we can teach them…. When I don’t have hands or eyes free, I make my son hold on to my bag or pants, and he is 6! I have also been acused of being “over protective” and “paranoid” but rather that than crying over spilt milk…..
agree with you totally. would also rather be paranoid and safe … there are too many bad/sad stories out there …
Gotta be paranoid, I’m afraid. If I can’t hold J’s hand she knows to hold on to my clothing so I know she’s still there.
Good on you making the point – don’t let the tears or anger get to you: just remember they’re all extremely self centred at this stage and don’t like it when they get their own way. 🙂
I lean more to the paranoid too esp when it comes to kids safety and have done this with Tash before. Walked out of the shop because she didn’t stay with me like I had asked.
Just read the post party blues – love the jumping castle/butter chicken as an option for getting over them. go you!
I’m completely with you, be paranoid. And I say rather have him punished by missing a juice than by finding himself abducted by strangers. I remember my mom having talks with us about evil people who wants to take us away from her and that we should always stay close to her. I was petrified but my sister not so much…
I am paranoid also,I like mine to be at my side.If they go to the bathroom,I will allow the 2 bigger ones to go alone(they are 10 and 14).
Think abduction is a very real fear
You are not paranoid. The way life is now we have to watch every move of our little ones in public. You were in a very difficult position at that moment. Even though it breaks our hearts to reprimand our children with things like this, it is for the better. *hugs* x x x
I’m also accused of being paranoid / over protective, but unfortunately that’s the society we live in! I’d also rather be paranoid than have my child abducted.
LOL out the broken toe! Tristan is forever telling us he broke his leg / arm / neck / toe when he bumps any of them 🙂