Learning about Lying and Stealing

This week we learned about lying and stealing. My five year old is both independent and smart. She dresses herself, packs her own snacks for German pre-school and packs her own suitcase for vacations. I've heard many stories about when somebody's kid stole something. Well, now I am proud to say that I have one of my own stories to tell.

Earlier this week, my husband was in the bathroom, and then he left for a couple of minutes to get something downstairs.  When he returned two minutes later, he met our daughter exiting the bathroom.  She was dressed, her hair was slightly damp, and she claimed that she had just showered and was ready for school. Hmmmm...... the bathroom wasn't steamy and there was no evidence of a wet towel, but she did have that huge smile on her face. Although we hadn't yet realized it, this was her second day in a row of faking her shower. Well, her smile didn't last long this time around. He figured out her trick and busted her. She was really mad as he waited patiently in the bathroom until he had acquired visual evidence of her getting into the shower and turning the water on.

It wasn't enough that on Thursday my husband caught her pretending to take her morning shower. Two days later, we had another event after attending the bi-weekly tennis lesson for the two older kids.  When we were leaving the grocery store, my older daughter said "Mom, what's that lump in her jacket?" Upon inspection, you guessed it - a tennis ball. Needless to say we drove back to the tennis court so she could apologize and return the ball. This was HUGE! She didn't want to do it and was feeling really bad. So after I told the teacher why we were back, she laid on the ground crouched in a ball, hiding and hoping somehow this was all going to go away if nobody could see her. After about 15 minutes (she is very strong willed) she was finally starting to stir a little. So I asked her how she wanted to apologize - "Would you like to do it fast? Would you like me to hold your hand?"

"I want you to do it she replied." I said "alright, but you need to come with me." After it was over she ran as fast as she could from the tennis court to the car, sobbing all the way. I felt badly for her, but happy for her at the same time. Her theft was minor, but she learned a very important lesson. I think she really understood what happened and won't do it again.

This parenting journey is so much fun, and it sure keeps me on my toes. I can't wait to see what my five year old comes up with next.

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