Punisher's Remorse

Have you ever really wished your kid wouldn't have messed up because you really don't want to have to scold them, but for consistency's sake (and the need to remind them to follow the rules) you have to? There have actually been times when I pretend I didn't see something just so that it doesn't have to erupt into something ugly.

I write this in response to today with Will, though I've had the same sentiment with Paige as well. He has a somewhat new problem with wanting things others have and...well...just taking them. Examples: I had that pillow first (followed by swift pull and head hitting the floor) or that's my stool (followed by stern nudge and falling toddler) or that's my McDonald's toy (rip out of small child's hand - now crying).

So, today with 2 of the incidences within a half hour it was decided that Will would have an early bedtime. Well, this broke his heart. He is SO remorseful when he does something wrong and I'm pretty sure would give anything to push a rewind button and avoid punishment. He was sad, but went about the evening with often reminders to us that he wished he didn't have an early bedtime. I SO wanted to say he didn't have to if he can remember that rule from now on. BUT, I stuck to the initial punishment and he went to bed very well. Now I find myself not being able to wait for the next day to give him a fresh start!