How do you curb the independence of a free thinking 5 year old?
This child of mine decided, after SO many times of warning him NOT to go near the door when someone knocks, that he should answer the door this morning. His father and I were still dozing and didn’t hear him leave his room. We did hear the knock on the door, but thought it was next door. Next thing I know, my son is coming in to report that he just opened the door for this guy with a basketball shirt on who was asking for his father!
Our first reaction of course was WHY??? He replies with “but he didn’t steal me!”… because, of course, that was part of our reasons for him to stay away from the door. Now, I don’t know which guy came to see my husband. My son didn’t relock the door, but left it open enough that anyone could have come in. The guy was no longer anywhere near the house so I couldn’t see him as he was leaving. I am just nonplussed. I am so angry and … well… at a loss.
What type of punishment would you inflict on this child? So far, he still has no video games and he is sitting in the corner. He still does not get what the big deal is about him opening the door to people, especially since (as he says) he asked “who is it?” before answering!! ACK!!! Now I am paranoid. I might end up sleeping on the couch just to make sure that I know where he is at all times.
3 Comments
OH, wow. That I would file under “questions that have no answers.” How do you make the kid “get it?” I have no clue. Maybe if he gets that he’s in trouble it might help. Wishing you the best and YES I’m glad he wasn’t stolen!!
Sweetheart,
he is growing up and still testing his boundaries. He saw himself as helping cuz you and Dad were resting. It is a grey area. for sure.
This is a long time ago for me but I would be concerned too. Maybe do a search on “teaching home safety to children”? There used to be so much info about this stuff years ago but I’ve lost track of it.
I do remember seeing studies that children would not follow the directions taught to them by their parents about safety. So I guess it’s normal but scary.