Running Away!

After getting mad at me because I wouldn't let her go on the bike path (it was the equivalent of rush hour for those that commute to work by bike), O yelled, "You are the meanest mommy ever.  I am so mad at you.  I am running away!".  Knowing its important for children to express their anger, I calmly told her that was just fine and that I loved her.  I also waved to her and yelled, "Bon Voyage!".  I then headed towards our house while she turned to go the other way on her bike.  However, it wasn't long before she followed me home to find me relaxed with a glass of wine on the porch.  

As she came through the back gate she was pushing her bike ferociously and stomping her feet. Her eyebrows were cross … her lips were pursed and her cute little nose was flared.  She was mad and she was having no problem expressing it.  I calmly looked at her and said, "Did you decide to come back for dinner first?". She said, "Yes, but I'm still running away!".  I replied, "Of course you are, but how much better of a journey it will be when on a full stomach.  Why don't run up and pack your bags while I make you dinner so you will be ready to roll out when you are finished.  I should tell you, however, that anything that mommy and daddy bought for you, you cannot take with you."  She said, "Not even Marie Grace (her American Girl doll)?"  "Nope", I replied. 

She then ate her chicken nuggets, some grapes and a few carrots.  After a long silence, I then asked where she thought she might go if she ran away.  She said, "Well I can't go to G’s, K’s or C’s because they will call you.  But I could go to Mia’s.  Mommy, you were so lucky that you had a playhouse that you could run away to when you were a little girl!  I wish I had a playhouse."   

I replied, "It was lovely to have my own space to retreat to when I wanted to be alone.  I'm just wondering if Mia will have milk for you to drink before you go down to sleep tonight.  Do you think she will have a microwave to warm it up for you?"

After another long silence she climbed onto my lap and said, "Mommy, I've decided that I am not going to run away after all."  

"I'm so glad, O.  I would have missed you a lot", I replied.

Then I asked, "By the way, what was it that made you decide not to go?"

Smiling she said, "Because nobody else knows the song you sing me before bed every night."  

Phew!  This time me calling her bluff worked to my benefit.  Next time I may not be so lucky!  Kindergarten SUCKS!