Jail time

This afternoon I took the kids shopping at Kohl's. It was a very quick trip to just exchange some shirts I got. We were close to the kids section, so we zoomed by to take a peek. While I was looking at PJ's for Aaron, he discovered this Nerf football they were selling in the store. He showed it to me and said he wanted one. I told him he could save his money or ask Santa at Xmas. A minute later we moved on. I thought the toy had gotten left behind since Aaron was no longer carrying it. I was wrong.

We left the store a few minutes later, got the kids buckled in and then I went to put the stroller away. In the bottom of the stroller was the Nerf ball. I took a deep breath and opened up Aaron's door, showed him the ball and told him to get out of the car. He got right out and I asked him how the ball got into the stroller. He told me he thought I was going to buy it for him. I explained that he had just stolen the ball from the store by not paying for it. I told him how Mommy & Daddy pay for everything they buy and how he had to do the same. I told him that just because he wanted something, does not mean he can put it in the stroller for me to buy. I also explained that he was being sneaky by putting in the stroller without telling me. He was a little upset.

I got Lauren out of the car and explained to Aaron that he was going to bring the toy back into the store and tell them what had happened. He started screaming "Mommy, I don't want to go in a cage." Seriously, I don't know if I wanted to laugh or cry. I was glad to see the message get across, but where on earth did he learn about a cage for breaking the rules. Was he thinking about jail? Where did he get the idea that he would go to jail? I explained to him that he was not going to be put into a cage, but that the store was very upset.

I held his hand and walked back into the store. He was still very upset.. He handed it to one of the cashiers and I told them it got put into our stroller. I made Aaron say sorry and we promptly left.

What a day. I hope that he was not really trying to "steal" the toy. I really think he was just putting it into the stroller thinking I would just pay for it. It's crazy to see him be he so sneaky because he wanted something so much.

I often wonder if I handle things the right way. I think all parents ponder this same thing. Are we doing the right things? Teaching our kids the right lessons, the right way? Who knows. I am sure I could have done better. But it's not like you have time to think about it. I gave him lots of hugs and kisses tonight and told him how much I love him, even when he does things I don't like. The last thing he said to me before he fell asleep was "I'm sorry Mommy that I stole that toy." I hope the lesson sticks.