Morning,
You know, generally I’m quite superb about consequences with my kids. I hardly ever go over the top with them, because I know how incredibly important it is to hold the line and follow through.
Thus, I never (almost!) tell my kids, if ABC isn’t done, your consequences will be being grounded for 2 weeks or no computer for a month or … you get the idea. I always want to make certain I can comfortably implement anything I promise…without losing the point of the lesson.
Well, even super moms like me screw up every now and then. My daughter had brought home an 84 in last week’s Wordly Wise (something that is simply inexcusable in my family; we’re born knowing the English language). And I told her, okay, you can study this Wednesday and Thursday and if you get one wrong on Friday when I quiz you, no computer for this weekend.
Friday morning arrives, and I discover my charming youngster “forgot” her study words at school. Ooo was I peeved; one never takes the mother for granted! So I told her, kid, you had better bring home a 100 or else we’re talking major major major consequences! Got that????
After she had left for school, I realized I overdid it. Making the point is all very well and good; being smart about such point making is even better. But hey, maybe she’d bring home a 100 anyways, and I’d be off the hook!!
She got a 96.
Now, I ask you. A 96 is pretty darned good….but I had stipulated it had to be 100. Argh. I consequenced myself into a corner!! I honestly don’t know how I’m going to handle this. I don’t want to appear wishy-washy, and yet, I do want to acknowledge the grade is most acceptable.
Sigh. Parenting. A joy!
I’m hoping that the one mistake she made is one that I would have made myself (I always excuse such errors then). But if not…I need to think of a consequence that isn’t really a consequence but still makes the point that when Mom is serious, Mom is serious.
Perhaps the laundry can call. 
And life marches on,
Barbara
ps – here’s a good reward for when kids do well: