Day 12 - The First Time Out

Remember when I described Ethan's random acts of violence?

It happened again!

This time, we were building a fort/tent/"billage" out of this elaborate fort/tent set that includes a bunch of foam tubes and connectors and such...Very cool stuff.

That being said, these connectors are hard plastic with magnets inside. They're kind of heavy and, when attached to the end of a foam tube, can make for a serious weapon...

Our first try at building a fort/tent was worthless. I realize again why I didn't pursue engineering...

As I'm breaking down this joke of an attempt I have thrown out there (all three kids are looking at me like I am the most unimpressive person they have ever seen) I turn my back and then I hear a nice hearty "crack."

Without turning I already knew it was a connector knocking against a skull...What I didn't know yet was who was responsible.

One look at Owen grimacing (openly trying his best not to cry) with a hand on his head and one look at Ethan with a dazed "what just happened" look on his face says it all.

In CLUE fashion it would be: Ethan, in the living room, with the connector.

I would say that the majority of time I'm pretty good with the kids provided no one is throwing up repeatedly but I didn't know what to do. It was clear, without a doubt, that Ethan felt bad and it was clear he didn't have a reason for clocking Owen but I couldn't let this slide.

Ethan had to go to Time Out.

I took him into a different room, sat him down, waited for him to stop sobbing and then I explained how he can't hit people even though it might seem like a good idea.

(in between sobs) I...I....I....Bic...Bictor...I'm Sowwwwwwy (more sobs)"

"That doesn't make it OK though, does it?"

"Noooo"

Alright...

I think he was in Time Out for maybe 3 minutes before I figured he had learned...He came in and had this exchange

(Owen's sitting on the couch)

Ethan: "I...I'm sowwwy Owen...Owen...(tapping Owen who is ignoring him)...Owen, my brother, I...I'm sowwy"

Me: "Owen, he said he's sorry, what do you say?"

Owen: (Obviously pissed still) "OK Ethan..."