Kyle's Penitence

Kyle's Penitence

Our library books were overdue and we needed to make a trip down to Compasspoint. The Duo immediately settled down on the ground, pouring through the books they found. It was without much hassle that we chose the books they liked. Kyle chose a book by Dr Suess, 4 books on Berenstein bear and a pictorial fantasy. The only problem we had during check out time was that we had 2 books too many.

After that we proceeded to the Kopitiam foodcourt to have some dessert. That was when Kyle's 'nonsense' started. He wanted to go to Popular bookshop to browse through his Ben 10 books and was very impatient. He started whining and then insisted on playing with my handphone although I gave him strict warning not to. The whining did not stop even after we got to Popular. He discovered that his daddy had gone for a haircut and he whined that he wanted to have one as well. I immediately set him in a corner to tell him off. He wanted Popular in the first place and now he changed his mind. He grouchily submitted and turned his attention to the books. He was soon engrossed in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. He asked to get it and I agreed on condition that he reads 3 Chinese books for me per day. He agreed and I bought.

At the hairdresser's, he met his dad and sister and he again whined that he wanted a hair cut despite our telling him that we will bring him to his usual hairdresser which costs only $7 compared to $10. He made a big fuss and said that he will pay with his own money. By this time, both the hubby and I were of the same mind that we needed a talk with him. He was to stand and face the wall once he reached home.

Once home, we told him what was it he did that upset us and how it had spoilt the outing. Then we spoke to him about the value of money and where it comes from. He is aware that we have to work for every cent we spend. He also claimed that he has worked for his own money by swimming and doing work (written)and has a right to spend it (btw, he had earned about $50 to date). I then told him that that is a reward that the daddy gave him and the dad still has to work for it. With that we let him go.

Minutes later, I was at the table writing a cheque for his insurance policy. I told him how much it cost and that I have to write another cheque to pay for their school fees as well. He stood there for a while and then he made up his mind. "Mummy, I'll give you my $50." he offered graciously. I accepted and thanked him. Following suit was Meryl who wanted to give me her $10 but her brother told her to give me her $2 instead since he had given me $50 already. Of course both were praised for their generosity.

Footnote: Just before sleeping, he asked me how much his Transformer book cost and I told him $10. Then he commented that he gave me more than what I paid for the book, almost regretfully. I then reminded him that his insurance and school fees came up to more that $2000 and he hurriedly nodded his head in agreement!