Coming home from an evening out to find four upset children is not ideal. Link was crying because Kiki had yelled at him. Gleek was crying because she had a sore on her chin, and also Kiki had yelled at her. Kiki was crying because she felt guilty about being a bad babysitter and yelling at the kids. Patch was not crying, but he was obviously unsettled about everyone else crying.
Howard and I gathered all the children and let them all talk. Kiki apologized profusely. Link and Gleek gave her hugs. Patch gave hugs to everyone in turn. We fed them all hot chocolate on the general theory that chocolate is comforting. During most of the 30 minutes it took to settle down, the kids were more concerned about helping each other feel better than about airing their grievances. Tears and hugs were plentiful. I love that my kids love each other. Then with tears dry and cups empty, we settled them all into bed.
Kiki stayed up at little bit longer to talk with me about how things went wrong and what she intends to do differently next time. She told me I don’t owe her any money for this babysitting gig because she doesn’t feel like she earned it. Next time will be better. So Howard and I got a dinner out without paying for babysitting, and the kids all got a lesson in getting along, and I got to snuggle all my kids when I got home, and they all got a chance to see how much they love each other.
Perhaps it wasn’t ideal, but it was still pretty darn good.
Wonderful! *hugs* from here, too
Something about this situation tells me that you and Howard are better parents than mine ever were. Because you have taught your kids things my sisters and I had to learn from other people.
Ona
One work Integrity
It’s things like this, “She told me I don’t owe her any money for this babysitting gig because she doesn’t feel like she earned it.” that are passed from parent to child sometimes without even noticing it.
Awesome 😀
-EricS
Re: One work Integrity
Thanks. Kiki is amazing.
Re: One work Integrity
She sure is. She shows maturity way beyond her calendar age. I’m sure she also at times is immature and childish. Or at least, I hope so – one of the joys of childhood is getting to do childish things. I still do, but people tend to expect you not to once you’re “grown up”. However, I don’t much care what I’m “supposed” to do, I do things I want to do, and if other people think that makes me immature, then so be it.