So C3 and I were at Hobby Lobby today. I was on the phone with my mom when C3 accidently dropped and broke a Christmas ornament. yes, mom that is why I said bye so quickly.
He broke into tears and I surprised myself by not getting angry. I told him that he would have to pay for the damages and say he was sorry.
So, we picked up the piece that had the tag on it, and started towards the register. We ran into our good friend Lynn who we became friends with because she works there and we are there a lot. So..I explained that c3 accidentally broke this and he had to pay for it now. He was crying softly and said he was sorry that he broke it.
She gave me a look and was about to say, that is ok, because I know they simply write these things off, but my look beat her to it. Mine said, dont argue with me. He has to fix this. I am glad that she is our friends, because a stranger might have given him a hug and said that it was ok!
So, we walked over to a register and I paid for it and we were on our way to puchase what we originally paid for.
C3 and I had a talk after we paid for it and I explained to him that eveyone makes mistakes and accidents happen, but it takes a big man to admit his mistake and fix it.
So, on our way out of the store, my purhcases costing less than the silly ornament, C3 wanted to find Lynn again, so we did and he gave her a big hug and said he was sorry again. As C3 wandered out of earshot after this, but still withing eyesight, mom, Lynn congradulates me. Tells me that she has never seen a parent do that before!
WHAT?
If you have ever been in Hobby Lobby, you know how dangerous it is for any parent with kids, young or older. Everything is made of glass, and everything is in the way! Scares the heck out of me, I'm always afraid I'll be the one to brush the giant platter with a fat white chef on it and it WONT be on sale.
Once, when we were grocery shopping C3 ate a piece of candy out of the bulk bin. I make him pay for it. So He gave the woman a quarter and said he was sorry. SHE GAVE HIM CHANGE. He was thrilled. Totally defeated my point!
So, even though I know that they dont make people pay for accidents, thank you Lynn. Thank you for allowing me to parent my child in your store. For understanding what I was trying to do and playing along with me.
And for the record, C3 had to bring in all the garbage cans from out front. There are 5 of them and they are taller and heavier than he is!
