It's official. I'm a mean mom. Or so I've been told. Because I just grounded my oldest child for the first time. Why, you ask? Oh, there's a good reason.
When Liam (our 6 year old), gets off of the bus, most days (unless we have Faith Formation), his Grandpa is there to pick him up. If Grandpa isn't there, he knows to walk home (less than 1/2 of a block).
On Monday, I get a panicked call from Grandma. Grandpa had called her and Liam didn't get off of the bus. I called the school, who radioed the bus, and said yes, "William" (which is what he goes by at school cause he's a 'big boy') got off of the bus. Panic.
I immediately ran two houses down to his friend Kaiden's house. Kaiden's sister answered the door and said, "Yeah, William got off of the bus with us. And then he went to play with Kaiden. But Kaiden is here. I don't know where William is."
PANIC.
I turn around to walk home, tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. And then I see him. Sauntering down the sidewalk, kicking a rock, on his way home. I screamed "WILLIAM!" Somehow I managed to hug and spank him at the same time. We went inside, I called Grandma to have her call Grandpa (who was already on his way back to the school) and let him know that Liam was safe. In trouble, but safe. Grandpa came by to give Liam a talk...and then it was back to his room.
And yes, I used the "Just wait until your father gets home" line.
For the rest of the week, he's not allowed to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Except for dinner, showers and school, he's in his room. And I'm a "mean mom".
I couldn't help but find the irony in the fact that this all happened the same day I gave Grandma the free "If your child is lost, use this card as a photo for authorities".
Maybe I shouldn't have given her the card?? What I do know is he won't run off again. So, do you think I'm a "mean mom"??
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