Chuck E Cheese

Two days ago Luke mentioned Chuck E Cheese, and Nate lit up like a Christmas tree. We've been to Chuck E Cheese a few times in the last few months, when it's really hot, when it's really cold, and always at 2 pm on a weekday. Apparently, these visits have made quite the impression on Nate. Add to that his recent obsession with "gam-eeees" (games), and I knew Chuck E Cheese would be heavenly to Nate. We collectively decided that Friday after school we would make a special trip to Chuck E Cheese.

For the last two days Nate has been shrieking, begging and repeating, "Chuck E Cheese!" He gets so excited when he says it, he smiles a giant smile and giggles with glee as his shoulders sort of bounce back and forth. This morning when he awoke, it only took him a few minutes to ask, "Chuck E Cheese?"- he was thrilled today was the day!

And then Luke had a morning meltdown. And me being a bit quick to temper, I TOOK AWAY CHUCK E CHEESE!!!!!

Today was an important lesson for me. Nate is old enough now to KNOW STUFF. He ought not suffer just because his brother was nasty. I considered taking Nate while Luke was at school, but the nap got long, so that was out...

After school I talked to Luke about what had happened in the morning. I explained we were going to Chuck E Cheese for Nate's sake, but that Luke might not get any tokens to play games, depending on his behavior (Luke continues to be very challenging).

Long story short, Luke earned some tokens, Nate got an afternoon with his idol, Chuck E Cheese, and I'm still being hard on myself for my ongoing struggles to discipline my kids effectively and appropriately. I learned that I need to slow down in my quick consequences for poor behavior and think. And maybe breathe in and out a couple times.