I suppose it's inevitable - sooner or later, every child threatens to run away from home. I swear the more calm and composed I am, the worse things typically go! James and I have started reading "The Lightening Thief" (thanks, Smiths!), and so far it's very good! *I* was excited about reading another chapter tonight before bed, but somebody poked around and used up all of his potential story time with a very slow shower, dawdling after the shower, brushing everything except his teeth.. you know, the usual pre-bedtime ritual.
I let him know that his chance was gone, and it was time for bed. Mr. Man did not like that one bit. I don't even remember was else he grumbled about, but I refused to get upset and was very matter-of-fact about the whole thing. Maybe that's why he decided to test me.
His Highness finally said, "well maybe I should just leave", to which I replied, "you might want a bag". He dragged his chair over to his closet, pulled down his duffel bag, and started opening drawers. I asked, "do you need me to bring you somewhere?", and he just started stuffing underwear and socks into his bag. At this point, I was about to start giggling, so I had to walk away. I wasn't out of his room for 30 seconds before I heard the sniffles. I walked back in to find him balled up in the corner between his dresser and the wall.
After about a good 10 mins of boogies and tears, he finally settled down. I had to make sure he knew that I wasn't really going to let him leave. He eventually apologized for saying he wanted to, and all was well again!
Sadly, he has now committed to never leave home, remain an "only" (ie: single), and live with us forever. That's what happens when you try to teach lessons.
