Consequences

Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.

~ Alfred A. Montapert

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In preparation for a winter break together, we had a family meeting to talk about expectations - particularly regarding interactions between Maddie and Elizabeth (who had squabbled all morning BEFORE we called the family meeting).

As a result we determined that if there was fighting or arguing or tattling or general meanness or eye rolling that the individual(s) responsible would get "bonus chores." Of course I was the first one to get a bonus chore because I eye-rolled Maddie.

Regardless, a few hours later Maddie approached me with a question.

Maddie: Can we pay with nickels?

Michelle: What do you mean?

Maddie: Instead of bonus chores. Because there might be a time I want to do something mean, but I don't want to have to do chores.

Maddie failed that negotiation.