Confessions of an unfit mother

I dont dare post the photo I took of this (and oh yes, I did) but I need to confess a slightly mean, yet unintentional "thing" I did to Isabella yesterday. I have to set this up so it makes sense. Due to a stupid person trying to scam us, we were advised to call the local authorties to make a record of the events and get some advice on how to proceed. We knew that an officer would be at our house shortly, and In my frusteration, I thought a harmless object lesson might be in order..

Not unlike many 4 year olds, Isabella was having a hard time listening to us when asked to help with some family chores. Once such was to grab a baby wipe and simply wipe the kitchen table down. After MANY times of asking, coaxing, explaining, bribing, etc.. I told her that a policeman was going to come if she didnt listen. Not soon after, in walks daddy with a police woman behind him. Once I saw the look on her face, (really such a nervous, just about killed me) it hit me, oh my gosh, not only did I scare her, but I made her afraid of police officers (DUH!) She hid behind my leg and said "Where are the wipes?"

Luckily, the officer was adorable and helped me out, she made Isabella a Junior Cadet, which seemed to help. I did suceed in getting her to do her chores later that day, but failed miserably in all other parenting departments. I really felt so bad, as she told me later that afternoon "That was a bad thing you did today mom" She has now properly been informed that policemen help and protect people and that they are not bad. And that they dont come just because she isnt listening. Home is a safe zone.

I think next time, Ill just ask her to fold some laundry, she loves doing that.