Opportunity of an Apple

Last night, Sienna asked for an apple. I cut up an apple and gave it to her. She had probably 1/3 of it and decided to quit. I said since she asked for an apple, she couldn't have her next snack item if she doesn't finish this one. "Do you want to have it now, or later?" I asked. She chose the latter. So I wrapped it up on a plate and put it away in the fridge.

Tonight, when she asks me for the next snack item, the remainder of the apple is what she would get first. Still she would be given a choice. She can choose to finish the apple or not to finish it. If she chooses the latter, she wouldn't be getting any other snacks either tonight. This only lasts till the end of the day today. We start the day anew tomorrow.

Why do I fuss over an apple like this? This is part of my disciplining process. If you consistently miss out these seemingly insignificant apple opportunities, you will eventually have to deal with a rotten apple. One day, you will have to get on a temper to overpower your kid or you simply cannot control your temper with your kid. In order for my love to prevail, I must let the rules govern our behavior. Because of this, one apple is really an opportunity big enough to exercises the rules.