Several months ago David came to us with a proposition. If they gave up some t.v. during the week, could we have a family movie night? He had obviously been learning about negotiation in school, and he had his proposal all written out. It seemed reasonable and fair and fun. We said yes.

The first movie night did not go well. The children had conniptions over everything--what movie, how much t.v. time they were losing--it went on and on. So, after surviving that, John and I initiated the rule that he and I were choosing the movie.

Tonight, as part of the on going staycation, we watched Chicken Run. Hilarious! Lots of slapstick humor and tension filled escapes. We all laughed and ate popcorn.

However, the minute the movie was over, the children decided I was a complete failure as a mother. Last night I started reading a book to David that I had suggested I read to both of them. Rose did not want a summary to catch up; she wanted us to restart the book. David started bawling when I said we would have Rose read it on her own to catch up and we would read a different book tonight. Bawling, pouting, angst, a general sense of the complete unfairness of the world--yes, it is the start of vacation and this type of freak out always happens, and I always get blindsided.