to lift ds1's (self-imposed) games console ban early?

[COCKadoodledooo]

Because I can't remember what led to it being imposed in the first place?

He's 7. On a weekend away there was clearly something that happened (I honestly cannot remember) and he decided his punishment was to be banned from consoles (we have a Wii and he has a DS) for 5 days. Only weekend days, as that's the only time they're allowed anyway. Today is day 3.

He has since given up his DS for lent, so it's just the Wii, and he suggested playing MarioKart together.

Am I giving the wrong message by letting him? Am I a truly crap parent for not remembering? Tbh had he not reminded me of his ban I'd probably not have thought twice, so maybe I should allow him as a reward for his honesty

If it's only 5 days total I'd stick with it tbh - don't you think he's being a bit cheeky asking you to play now? :)

Are you just considering lifting the ban because you can't remember why you banned it - or becuase you feel he's been punished enough .

I would recommend leaving the ban in place because then he knows that 'a week's ban means a week's ban' (now worried if the apostrophe is in the right place) - he doesn't need to know that you can't remember why you banned him in the first place.

Now I'm confusing myself .

mmmm, let's hope he doesnt want a serious conversation about why he has been banned etc etc....lol.

Stick with it - he is being a little bit crafty suggesting you play together - clever kid!

He's 7. When you're 7 a week, a month, six months all feel like forever. Let him play the game fgs and be thankful you have him to play with! Lift the ban!

Well its not a weeks ban is it.. it is a 3 week ban... which is a bit harsh, so suprised you cant remember what is was for...

Cheers folks.

Freudian yep, my first reaction was that it was cheeky, my second was huge embarrassment that I had nfi what it was about! He has no idea I don't know btw, would never divulge that one!

Ragwort I do generally believe in making the punishment fit the crime, so given I can't remember what it's for I don't know if he's been punished enough. Have texted (hate that, text?) dh as his memory is better than mine..

squeaky take it you're going with the 'crap parent for not remembering' line. In my defence he's been off school 2 days this week (dreadful hacking cough), and ds2 has had d&v since Sunday. My memory does worry me at times though.

He suggested it more as a throwaway kind of comment really and I laughed it off, he didn't push it, which is why I'm asking the question as if he'd been arsey/argumentative it would have stayed without question. He doesn't know I'm considering lifing it.

I would have thought a day ban was punishment enough for a minor offence - which it probably was if you can't remember. He is obviously mature if he's imposed the ban himself.

I would perhaps say to him how mature he was to decide a punishment, that he's been really good so yes it will be lifted. The ban will stand though if he misbehaves again this weekend.

FWIW my DS (6) only gets Wii at weekends (Fri-Sun). We have just had a race together. he won . He loses the rest of the day for misbehaving.

I think knowing they can't play for a day is punishment enough - as when they know they can't do it they really want to

YADNBU

Cheers Mumbar - ds thrashes me regularly, I feel your pain!

I remembered what it was btw! Playing basketball with an inflatable globe in the hotel bedroom. Then failing to stop/later repeating the offence when chastised. In view of that, I've decided the ban stands, but I am officially Best Mum Ever because I've said he can stay up for an hour or so of Comic Relief, and said we can have a race on Mario before bed on Sunday.

I'd stick with the ban as I couldn't stand the thought of having to play a game on a Wii (not that I ever have) .

Not saying you are a crap parent at all, just that it probably wasnt all that bad a thing he did if its not memorable! :)

I would say he has lasted well as he has done a fortnight already, where most kids would have been badgering after day 1!..