My daughter's day out

It used to happen often….no….always!!! Whenever we will go- to the mall…she will ask to go to the gaming section or for a joy ride; to the market…she will ask for some toys or some goodies; to the restaurant….she will ask for her specific food choice…forcing us to eat a mac burger or a dosa when we wanted to have a sizzler or a pasta; a visit to the crossword will end with buying a forced noddy or bubbles (she will usually appear with her basket full of books hoping I will buy at least a few of them…or will bargain for some more time among those books). She has a hell lot of good bargaining skills for a three and a half year old toddler to possess!!!!!


You will say….so what…all kids do the same…Yeah ….but sorry….that was not acceptable to me!!! Even if I have the money to fulfill her seemingly harmless demands….I did not have the inclination to turn her into a spoilt pampered brat who does not know the value of money or a gift; nor the time when I/we knew I/we have to struggle with traffic to reach home to finish some nagging task.

But still my heart pained whenever I refused her or scolded her (with chilling glances of course-as we would seemingly be under public glare in the crowded area). All the more painful was to see that look of disappointment on her face because for her I was depriving her of something which was her right.

Then an idea changed my/our life. I offered her a ‘day out’ every month. It was initially called “a girls’day out” as Papa was not to join us. She was given three hours-4 p.m to 7 p.m and a freedom to do whatever she wanted in that time period. She was to manage and juggle her time between crossword, game zone, eating her chosen meal and buying herself one gift.

What a success this idea has been!!!!! And I am simply amazed at the sense of responsibility she exhibits during this particular day!!!!! And discipline throughout the month!!!

Now she keeps a mental list of the games and toys and goodies she wants to have (thankfully mental-because she is too small to write except for A_Z). Even now the demon strikes sometimes, but it never reaches the height of tantrums as she knows that she has one day when she has control on her time. How she waits for the day to come!!!!

I feel that it has even strengthened our mother-daughter tie (though I know it is too early to say so...she is so young). It feels good to see that satisfying smile on her face…and that glow of happiness on her face for days to come. It even comes easy on my conscience (for reasons abovementioned) as well as on my purse (if you compare the monthly forced spendings to a willing one day indulgence).

Now even her Papa wants to come with us!!!!

And for that one gift per month deal…the fairy in her life makes sure that her harmless desperate desires are met at short notice. You know…. she (the pari) occasionally leaves a gift under her pillow at night when every one is fast asleep.

Thank you Pari....for the idea....and the gifts.....