Little Voices of Reason

My husband and I were chatting about what does and does not call for punishment for the kids as we imagined them innocently getting into mischief. So we figured that kids often have logical reasoning for what they do that makes complete sense to them, and maybe if we take a moment to hear them out, we would understand, or at least, get a good laugh.

He recalled the time he took his Dad’s Rubik’s cube and removed the colored tiles in order to put them in the correct order. It made sense to him but of course, he faced consequences. Thinking about it now, it does make sense. What difference would it make if parents listened to those little voices of reason?

A trip down memory lane reveals similar stories from my childhood.

Like the time I just wanted to feed the ants outside the window. I positioned a new bottle of syrup through the window, meaning to provide the ants with a drizzle of sweetness when the top popped off, half the contents gushed out, and I dropped the new bottle, cracking the plastic.

I’m sure my mom would have understood if she had allowed me to explain.

And the time when I graciously assisted my parents in bringing in the laundry and by even making their bed. When I couldn’t figure out how to make the edges of the comforter lie neatly, I lined the edges of the bed with push pins in hopes that it would hold the comforter down and keep it from being so puffy. ‘Mom would be so proud of me’, I thought. Well, not quite, as when she took her normal position beside the bed to make calls, she was greeted by a painful, edgy surprise. Let's just say I didn't get the hug I expected.

And who can forget The Great Permanent Black Paint Spill of ’89. I would love to tell the whole story but to summarize: a can of black paint falls and spills; 4 kids attempt to clean…I end up playing Slip and Slide and decorating the walls with hand and butt prints, and the upstairs carpet with permanent foot prints.

Need I say more?

Actually, in this case, I had no other reasoning except that it was mighty fun! And I figured, if I was going to get in trouble anyway, I might as well go all out!

So, I think we ought to hear our kids out, get a laugh and be selective when it comes to punishment. Who knows, the story may cool your temper and give you a greater appreciation for your child’s fascinating nature.

Lyrics by tia 2011