Need advice within 3 minutes - I threatened to empty the paddling pool if they kept playing with the hose

[HectorsHouse]

I threatened this mornign that it would be emptied and put away if they kept messign with the hose

They just went out again and asked if I would still empty it if they touched the hose .. I said yes .. they turned on the hose .. took 4 requests to get him to stop

they are now sitting on the stairs .. I have 3 minutes to decide whether paddling pool must be emptied or not

what do I do?

Empty the pool.

empty it.

must be emptied I'm afraid

and next time don't threatne that, threaten something else

playing with water = lots of fun

ignoring parental request = bad behaviour

its hot outside

Empty the pool.

EMpty it. You have to stick by your word or look ineffective and they will know you are full of hot air.

But maybe put a timescale on it - fill it up again tomorrow or next day perhaps?

yes, you'll have to empty it

(however, even I play with the hose in the garden so I think your expectations may be a leeeeeeeetle high)

empty it!

true foxinsocks

Empty the pool. You have to follow through on what you said you'd do.

Never make threats you aren't prepared to carry out.

oh gawd . he looks distraught

and I got my jeans wet

Empty the pool!

Well done you. Your jeans will recover and so will little one x

Hopefully he'll have learnt that you mean what you say. At least for a day or two anyway...

can I fill it up again in 10 minutes?

I wouldn't. I'd leave it til tomorrow.

I'm harsh

If it had happened in the morning, I would have re-filled it in the afternoon but not this late on.

No. Tomorrow

I learnt not to make threats I wasn't capable of carrying out

luckily they are now drawing pics for DH birthday

still wish I'd kept my big fat mouth shut over emptying the soddin' pool though

Things like this are good if you are prepared to carry them out though it teaches that you mean what you say. I can remember when dd1 was younger and i said id take her stereo off her until she was good again she didnt believe me until i did it and then she was distraught i kept to it and a few days later (after her being an angel) she got it back - AND was good for a good few weeks because if she played me up i said stop it now or ill take your stereo and she was good immediately because she knew i would do it.