Chad left for a scout campout last night and the care of the animals fell to the boys.
The task wasn't too difficult. It was mostly making sure the animals all had water, the chicks, chickens and dog had food, and the two lawn-mower lambs tied up in the orchard were untangled.
All three boys went out. Nathan did 85% of the work. Daniel untangled the lambs and then stood by, watching Nathan work. As they had headed outside, Nathan made a comment to Daniel about that very thing. It's a common thing around here.
When they came in, I questioned them about the state of everything outside...including the chicks. I was told that they did indeed have food and water.
This morning I went out around 11:30 to check on the laying hens (they have grown a liking for the taste of raw eggs). I found the chicks' food tipped over and empty and their water dry. Additionally, one chick was dead.
I called for the boys. I held them BOTH accountable. Nathan was the one that told me they were taken care of. I think he didn't look very carefully. Daniel didn't even get close, so he couldn't have caught the error. (Joseph was out there, but doesn't have any responsibilities yet.)
I informed them that they wouldn't be having lunch or eating until dinner. After all, the chicks didn't have anything to eat or drink...and one of them died. I added to Daniel's consequence and gave him the task of removing the dead chick from the coop.
He nearly fell apart out there. The amount of crying and shaking surprised me. I left him to work it out on his own time and told him he could come in when he was done. He sat out there for almost an hour, but he finally did it.
He was supposed to show me he had the bird, but I think the trauma of it all sent him right to the garbage can. He was crying and shaking a bit all over again.
I hope this sticks with him. He needs to be more responsible and Chad and I are pulling out our hair trying to get through to him.
At least I know Daniel and Nathan will eat a good dinner tonight (or at least they'll be ready to eat...I make no guarantees on the quality of the meal).
Did you ever have a consequence that was particularly difficult?
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That's one thing I always liked about the idea of living in the country was the idea of real consequences of actions. The consequences of not taking out the trash or not making your bed just don't compare. I'm sure it's much harder in real life than in my imagination, though. I hope the boys and the animals have all recovered (except that one).
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