Teachable moments are hard.
Being an intentional mother is hard.
Today, the girls and I went shopping at Big Lots and then we went into Dollar Tree next door because the girls like looking at stuff there. We didn't find anything that we had to have so we headed home.
It was 12:30 and I was thinking that it was nice to be home in time for lunch and then get the girls down for their nap.
I started unbuckling Sydney and noticed something shiny in her hand.
It was a large jewel, craft thing that looked like it came off something. I'm thinking, "great...just what I need...a lesson in shoplifting."
After a couple questions, I found out that she had seen it on the floor at Dollar Tree and she picked it up because she thought it would be fun to play with.
You have to realize that what she "stole" was basically garbage...it had fallen off something. It would have been so easy to tell her it was wrong to take it and go inside the house.
But this was one of those "teachable moments".
And so....we buckled ourselves back into the van. Drove back to Dollar Tree. Got out of the car again (did I mention it's zero degrees here today?) And went inside to return the shiny thing.
I tried explaining that I wasn't mad at her, but this was a very good lesson to learn.
Still...she was terrified. She kept saying "Are they going to take me from you?"
But she did a good job in apologizing. And then the store employee got in her face and said "You can't do that. You can't take things." I would have been terrified too!
So then we got back in the car and drove home...only to realize that now her hat was missing.
Ug. Now I probably have to buy a new hat.
Part of me wants to say, awww-poor girl, but then I know that those lessons have to be taught. It was very brave of her though to do it. Not to say that you didn't have an part in that, but I wonder how many adults steal stuff daily, have guilt, but could never actually go back to give it back and apologize.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and Syd/ You did the right thing and it was a life lesson but I am sad that the lady at the store was not a good teacher. That makes me want to hug Syd even more. And you too.
ReplyDeleteDid you call back to the store and ask if the hat was on the floor or in the parking lot?
hugs to you all.
What did Kay do?
love Mom
oh man! way to go being such a good mom and I'm so sorry to hear about the hat-! insult to injury. keep up your great work at developing character in your girls and thanks for being such a wonderful example for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteYou're an awesome mom...and such a patient person!!! My teeth are grinding right now in frustration at the lack of compassion from that employee...I'm soooooo biting my tongue right now!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lesson!!! I really think you made the right choice and made the best of the opportunity. I wish the store worker would have shown her a little more grace but then again maybe she didn't have a mother who was loving enough to take advantage of touch situations and teach her life lessons. We learn so much about life from our parents and I think you did a great thing!
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