It was a little cooler a couple Sundays ago so my family spent the afternoon visiting the mall and some other stores. However, by the time we left the final location the lower temperatures no longer provided relief because I was red hot angry.

Two episodes of embarrassment fueled my rage…

Perhaps allowing Beau to unleash on a punching bag at Dick’s Sporting Goods wasn’t the best decision. It might have increased his aggression as we visited several more stores that day.

When we were at the Spokane Valley Mall, we entered Nerdify, a shop that offers Japanese-inspired products. Eventually, Beau found a clearance tub that had a toy sword. The sword was made of foam material and in addition to swinging it around, Beau was bending the sword too. I told him a couple times to stop because I knew little good could come from “testing” the strength of the foam. Unfortunately my direction wasn’t taken seriously enough because the ‘blade” of the sword broke in half.

I took Beau with me to the front of the store with the broken sword. I showed the store employee what we had done, apologized, and asked her if she could please ring me up for it. She said that wasn’t necessary as she could just “charge it as damage.” Beau also apologized as we walked out of Nerdify feeling embarrassed.

An hour or two later, we found ourselves in Fred Meyer. Sid was off looking at clothes while I was inspecting a couch. I jumped when I heard glass fall on the floor. I looked toward Beau as a shattered candle jar was at his feet. He had offered his sister a smell of the scent but she refused. Once Sloan declined, Beau’s attempt to place the lid back on didn’t go as planned.

I ran over to him quickly as he immediately started bawling. After confirming that he wasn’t hurt, I started profusely apologizing to the employee who was rushing over with a broom and a dustpan. For the second time that day, I pleaded with an employee to allow me to pay for the broken item. She kindly rebuffed my offer.

After Beau offered a tearful apology, I marched him out the door to the car as Sid and Sloan continued shopping.

A few things about these two experiences…

1. There is no way around it, most of the blame falls at my own feet (pun intended). I need to do a much better job watching our son while taking action when I feel like my direction is not being heeded (would have saved us a sword).

2. I did get mad at Beau, especially the second time. I forgot about the advice I gave myself two years ago. He definitely deserved discipline but perhaps quickly marching him out of the store was a bit much.

3. The store employees we encountered during both of these accidents were so kind and understanding. I greatly appreciated their empathy.

Needless to say, I won’t be taking Beau to an antique store anytime soon. Don’t Blink.