The Runaway

After school today was an interesting one. The boy refused to do his homework as requested. Instead he chose to throw a temper tantrum on the floor. After 2 short stints in his room he was out and homework was done. As I'm walking around the kitchen the dog runs for her life from a big waving tube of cardboard (the boy's "map"). Goodnight show is now taken away from the boy and the sh## hits the fan. Tears and yells as he is off to his room for the 3rd time this evening. From behind the closed door yells are being heard, "you don't love me!" When the crying has subsided I ask him to join me downstairs for a little heart to heart about what happened to get him where he is at that moment. He comes downstairs and proclaims "I am done with this family." He proceeds to tell me that he wants to live with another family. First he chooses the family down the street, I explain that they have children and are full up! Next he chooses to go live with Grandma. I tell him that I would be very sad if he left but if that's what he needs to do to be happy then he should pack.

Ummmm he called my bluff! Thump thump thump down the stairs comes my little boy and his suitcase, filled to capacity! He gets his shoes and coat on and is ready to go. I tell him that I can't drive him, it's too far and it's dinner time. He looks at me and bursts into tears. He tells me he just can't stay. He then realizes he's going to have to walk to Grandma's house and a whole new set of tears come streaming out of his eyes. I ask him to sit on my lap and I hold his shaking little body. Telling him that I want him to be happy is a hard task, I want to cry and hold tight and ask why he wants to leave so badly. I hold him tight and I ask him to stay. He shakes his little head against my chest that is now covered in tears, his. As we move from the foyer to the livingroom couch (much more comfortable) he asks to call Grandma, what was said in that conversation I don't know but the tears have stopped.

Luckily I was able to convince him to stay until after dinner. After a conversation with Daddy about what was wrong and a nice yummy meal, okay so asparagus aren't his favorite, he's not mentioned that he's off to live with Grandma again. Don't think I won't be listening extra hard for any escapees tonight!