they were naughty - I overreated and now in a dilemma - what do I do now?

[DimpledThighs]

IN Sainsburys I asked ds 7yr and dd 4 yr not to look under the stuff at the front of the torlley because it was a secret - ds did a really sneaky peeking in the trolley and then dd did too and then they gooded me about what they had seen.

I am upset as it was things for an Easter treasure hunt. DP was supposed to look after them but they came to find me in the shop with him so I forgot and should of hid them better BUT

I was so upset about them being sneaky and teasing me that I said I wouldn't do the hunt for them but would still do it for their cousins.

Now I know I have overreated but I am not very good at keeping my word and so should I stand by this one? If I give in they will just think - oh we don't have to do what mummy says as she will forget about it. Ds has even said this to me before.

I am fed up because I have put a lot of effort into easter with something everyday - cakes, biscuits etc. and I feel I am unapprecaited and no-one is bothered!

could they do the hunt but not be allowed the eggs or something?

dunno, it's a tricky one alright

substituting a differant punishment might be best...... and having a talk with dh about what keeping the kids away from you in the shop means exactly

I think substituting another punishment would be okay... I wouldn't want to ban the treasure hunt as it is a special thing and seems very harsh.

I don't have much experience here as my dd is only three but if you are consistent the rest of time then you should be okay!

DT I'd tell them they have to earn their egg hunt back by doing a chore ie. tidy their rooms or helping with the washing(although my dd6 loves doing this).You could kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak.

I'd have looked.

I'd have looked too

But that's 'cos I am nosey

I would get then to do something 'good' today to earn the righto do the hunt tomorrow

sorry singing mum dis not see your post at first just read op

You wanted to buy something and keep it secret with a 7yo and 4yo in tow? and you told them not to look as it was a secret! I think you set them up there a bit, don't you? Has your dp been reprimanded for letting them into the shop? because really imo if anyone was at fault it was him. Tell them you are letting it go this time and carry on with your original plans. Next time you are doing something secret, make sure they are out of the way.
It's lovely of you to put a lot of effort into making Easter fun. Enjoy it and let your little ones in on the fun too.

Great minds think alike Gothicmama

(idiots seldom differ)

this is all such wonderful advice thank you so much.

My plan is to explain that they can earn back the right to the hunt because this is a special oocasion and they have to tidy their rooms (which they hate doing.)

I feel much better now to - this advice was great I just couldn't see it myself!

In fact i apperciate this so much I will go through you all like they do in a band! Okay, on drums....

Pink Tulip - thank you for being so supportive, great suggestion about subsitution punishment.

Little Sarah - thank you for pointing out it was a bit harsh - I thought I was being a push over but you are right.

Drunken Salior - your support and knowing you overeact too was so nice to read, I feel that I am so inconsistent and no-one else seems to have this problem. The idea about pointing out it is a speical occasion was perfect, I don't think I would have thoguth of that.

hercules and FlyFairy2- I would have looked as well, guess that's why I could see their point!

gothicmuma - thank sfor replying and echoing what others said.