AIBU to cancel the order?

[indiesearcher]

DS, 8, has just pounced on me asking if I'd ordered 'the books' yet following a virtual meet the author session they had at school today. DS was insistent we buy the whole set ' because it's only £45'!

Having missed the email about the orders last week I went online, and offered to buy DS one of the books in the series of 7.

He stomped off in a huff. Now, encouraging DS to read is a job in itself so having found something he likes - which is historically orientated too - so I was keen to support.

Then he returned to me, an hour later to see if I'd ordered the set yet. I explained that actually the author had a good offer on 3 books for the price of 2, so instead of 1 I had ordered 3. Cue more stomping and huffing.

WIBU to cancel the whole lot so when his classmates get their books in school next week he is taught a lesson in graciousness? Or is 8 too young for that?

Thought much appreciated.

@TheSmallAssassin

Are the books any good? I got very cross when my kids' school had an author visit from some local, self published bloke, the books were so badly written, but loads of the kids got swept up in it and wanted the collection. I think it is really awful to dole out order forms, it's basically a free promotion event for the author with an easily swayed, captive audience. I didn't buy any and put a complaint in!

I completely agree with this , my daughter was desperate for the book only because of the hype . It was never read , absolutely rubbish and an author I’d never heard of.

It would be overkill to go in so hard with such a mean punishment. Just have a conversation with him about how you’re disappointed with his attitude and that he needs to read the first three before you get any more No need for it to be some big horrible thing, he’s had a strop because he’s 8, you’re the adult and can resolve it without a dramatic response surely.

By the time he’s read the first 3 someone else in his class will have read them and be selling the next ones cheap.

Hes 8. He's what you made him surely?

I wouldnt cancel them as it's good to encourage the reading but I wouldnt hand them over right away, make a chore list with monetary value attached to each (e.g. empty the dishwasher 50p, tidy your room £1) and keep a tally until he has done enough chores to earn the cost of the books you bought. It might help him be more grateful...

Ooof @Morgan12 that's a bit harsh?

He's not what I've made him, he's a sometimes strong willed, hot headed little so and so... nowt I can do about that! And precisely why I'm here asking what punishment (or not) might be appropriate.

I’d buy the first one and make him wait for the others.

I'd get them to encourage reading. Maybe he was tired after school. (Soft mum here!

@Morgan12

Hes 8. He's what you made him surely?

That's really unnecessary, is that always your response when someone asks what they should do about their child's behaviour?

OP, I don't think you should cancel the order now it's been placed, I'd do anything to encourage children to read. Have you checked if the books are in your local library first though?

I'm going to keep the order, let him have the first one, look forward to the next couple, but have a good chat about the value of money and attitude in the morning. Anything else he asks for (not books) he's going to need to do chores/save pocket money for!

@TheSmallAssassin I must admit I felt similar. We were asked to contribute towards the cost of the 'meet the author' session too - and it was virtual!

Put a request into the library for the books.

@indiesearcher

I'm going to keep the order, let him have the first one, look forward to the next couple, but have a good chat about the value of money and attitude in the morning. Anything else he asks for (not books) he's going to need to do chores/save pocket money for!

Great plan OP That's what I'd do