We did the same thing about 10 years ago...loaded the boys in the car to go to Six Flags and they started hitting each other before we even rolled out of the driveway. We pulled the car back in and told everyone to get out. We didn't go! The best parenting point we ever made. My oldest is 16 and he still remembers the disappointment he felt but he learned a lesson...don't piss your parents off when their getting ready to drive for 3 hours and spend a couple of hundred bucks!
Posted by Jenn at August 16, 2012 9:25 AMI've had to do it (on a much smaller scale) too...it's sucks, but they learn, they do learn!
Posted by cyndy at August 16, 2012 9:50 AMIt sucks to do that but slow clap for you are parents. Too many parents make empty threats to try and get their children to behave. They don't, the parents don't follow through on the threat and the kids never learn. No one likes taking stuff away from kids but this will be a lesson they remember and next time you threaten something, this will ring in their mind that maybe you aren't playing around.
Posted by Darren at August 16, 2012 11:14 AMAwww......was it Hershey Park? We were just there beginning of the month. Lots of fun, although I cried for my mommy on one of the big roller coasters!
That first time following through on a big threat is the worst one. If you're lucky, it makes enough of an impression that you never have to do it again.
Posted by Traci at August 16, 2012 12:39 PMKudos to you for not giving in! I know it can't be easy, but not sticking to your word when it comes to consequences for bad behavior is how brats happen.
Posted by Fraulein N at August 16, 2012 12:53 PMKudos to you for not giving in! I know it can't be easy, but not sticking to your word when it comes to consequences for bad behavior is how brats happen.
Posted by Fraulein N at August 16, 2012 12:55 PMMajor props to you for sticking to your word. This is will be a lesson the kids will not soon forget.
Posted by Elissa at August 16, 2012 1:15 PMa trip to remember :) :) :)
Posted by kati at August 16, 2012 3:17 PMAs you discovered, sometimes, those things need to be said.
Ask my 14 year old about not going to Disneyland. Yep. His bad behavior meant we didn't go see The Mouse. I was so disappointed and wished I hadn't threatened that - but I did. I'm glad I kept my word. 14 still says "Mom MEANS what she says."
I'm so glad Monday and Tuesday was fun.
Posted by Mindy at August 16, 2012 6:22 PMA friend did that once with 3 kids from CT to Washington DC. just turned the car around. Gotta do what you gotta do - good for you (sucks you missed the amusement park though!) but glad it got better.
Posted by NancyB at August 16, 2012 8:32 PMI sincerely hope, in a similar situation, my husband and I will have the strength to make the same call. Good job.
Posted by Angela at August 21, 2012 3:08 PM