Today I had to discpline Meghan. For the first time.
I kid you not. She is almost seven years old and besides a few small reprimands or "quit whining"s or "don't touch that"s, I've never really had to discipline her like I have our other three children. Especially her brother.
It was kind of weird because not only did I have to send her to her room for a bit, but I had to go in later and sit with her to have a chat. We discussed why her behavior lately is not acceptable, what the consequences will be and how we expect her to behave in the future.
The odd thing about the entire situation was how we both didn't really know how to act during the whole process. Several times I almost called her Alex or Erin because those seem to be the two who not only challenge me the most, but who do the most huffing and puffing and outright hissy fitting. While Alex or Erin will think nothing of questioning the fairness of my judgment, Meghan would sooner shave her own head with a dull blade than challenge us in any way. During my lecture she stared at me with a mix of blank confusion and fear. I think she really had no idea what went on in that room when the door was closed wth her on the other side.
Just a few minutes ago she came to me in the kitchen, where I was eating frosting out of the can, walked right up to me and hugged me.
Then she said "Mommy, I'm sorry that had to happen. I know why you did it and I'm sorry you had to go through that. I promise I'll do my chores and I won't go pee right when I have to do them. I won't try to pay Alex to do them, cause he won't do them right. I'll be the best one you have. You'll see!"
Then it was my turn to stare at her with blank confusion as she danced off with her hands on her hips and a little swagger in her step.
She showed me, right?
