The "Wizard of Oz" Moment

When I was but a wee lass (probably six? seven?), back in the day before streaming video, home computers, DVD players, or even VCRs, the movie The Wizard of Oz was going to be broadcast on the television. My older sisters and I were very excited about this event, because we were just the right age for that movie. There was only one problem: The movie didn't start until 8pm, our bedtime. My parents had a solution. If we took naps that afternoon (remember, we are way past the age of regular naps), then we would be allowed to stay up and watch the movie.

So that afternoon we trooped into our shared bedroom and...proceeded to avoid napping. Several times I remember my mother coming in and cautioning us that only little girls who napped would be allowed to stay up and watch the movie. Eventually, my oldest sister LaDale asked to nap in Mema's room, because Jenafer and I were keeping her awake. In allowing this, Mema warned Jen and I once again: no nap, no movie.

We didn't nap. And yet for some reason, I fully expected to be allowed to stay up late that night for the movie. What a rude awakening I was in for!

I still remember the frustration and anger I felt over this (very natural, very expected) consequence. I learned a pretty valuable lesson that evening, as Jenafer and I were sent to bed at eight as usual, and LaDale got to stay up, watch the movie, and have treats. (Treats? Nobody told me treats would be involved! I surely would have taken a nap if I'd known that!)

Sometimes I wonder what this moment will be like for my kids. In particular, Em is at a stage where consequences are arcane and mysterious things that seem to have no bearing on her behavior. (As I write this, she is (finally) asleep downstairs, after being very mean and contrary all afternoon. Eventually she, in anger, threw her beloved stuffed cat at my head. I, somewhat calmly, took it away. This caused a complete breakdown on her part, with thirty minutes of wailing about needing "Rosie". I tried to explain that throwing toys at Momma = you don't get that toy, but I don't think it sunk in.

I hope that this might turn into a "Wizard of Oz" moment for her, but I'm not particularly optimistic. She is only five, and maybe that's still a little young. But I would love for her to understand consequences, and then make choices accordingly. I know this is a life-long process, but is a little bit too much to ask for?