After school today, I informed the children that because they had lost our new Apple TV remote they would not be allowed to watch TV until it was found.  I also informed them that they were still on bedroom duty because their rooms did not get clean yesterday.  Ada went to get a snack, Grace and Eli proceeded to grunt and groan and stomp their feet about how unfair it was.  I explained to them that we did not lose the remote, and we did not make their rooms a mess, so in fact it was fair and that would be the end of the fit.  They don’t have to enjoy cleaning their rooms, but they don’t get to be disrespectful about it.

About five minutes later, Grace comes down, shoots me a look, and throws down a duffle bag.
“What’s that?”
“It’s my Taylor bag.”
“What’s a Taylor bag?”
“Eli and I are running away to Taylor until 6:00.”  Then Eli comes down with a wadded up blanket with his belongings inside.
“Ah.  Why are you running away to Taylor?”
“Because we can’t handle anymore of your rules.”
“Wait.  So you’re going to Taylor until 6:00?”
“Yes.  We need you to come get us at 6:00.”
“Wait.  Why am I getting you at 6:00?”
“Because we didn’t pack a clock.”
“No, I mean why are you coming home at 6?”
“For supper.”
“Oh no.  If you’re running away because of my rules, you don’t get to come back in two hours for supper.  Moms aren’t for privileges only.  They come with rules.  Also, you may not go to Taylor, that’s too far.  I will let you be on the porch.”
“WHAT?  Can we be in the yard?”
“Well then you’re just playing outside.  I’ll make you a deal.  You can be on the porch, without the rules OR privileges of a mom for as long as you want.  When you decide you want to come in and be with the family again, you can, and we will talk about this.”
“I’m.going.to.Taylor.” Grace with a steely look in her eyes.
“Oh no you are not.  It’s still my job to keep you safe.”

So they go to the porch with their belongings (Eli assured me he packed his Bible).  Five minutes later….

“Mom, we’re sorry!” They are SOBBING.  “We’re so sorry!  It felt like we weren’t a part of the family anymore!  Kids shouldn’t leave their parents!  Oh mom, we’re so sorry!  That seemed like forever!”  Tears, tears, tears.  We hugged, and talked about how 8 and 9 year-olds aren’t supposed to leave their families, and that’s why it was so difficult.  All five minutes of it.  On our front porch.

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