The Empty Threat

As much as I hate to admit it, I perform the "empty threat" much to often.  It usually occurs when we are going to go do something fun and I threaten the kids that we won't go.  However, I generally want to go, so the threat is purely empty.  Unfortunately, my kids are now old enough to know this.

Yesterday, a sad thing happened....two more exercise balls perished here at the Evers' home.  It's been almost a year since the last one, but I guess with my mom having 3 balls sitting around, it was just too tempting.  This time it was not child #1, however, it was child #2. I had been telling them all day that if they we were good, we would go to their cousin's bday party.  When I saw the 2 balls laying limp on the ground, that was it, I cancelled the party.  We would no longer be attending.

2 hours later, we were headed to the party.

So.....what's my deal?  I act all big and tough, but with some crying, pleading, I'm sorries, and giving all the money they've earned to my mom to buy a new ball, I caved.

Well, it's a new day and I am recommitted.  My new goal:  don't make threats you don't want to deliver on or can't.  And if I do make the threat, follow through.  We'll see how it goes.  Hopefully, the last of the 3 balls will survive the Evers' temporary stay here.