I just don't know how to convince my 8 year old that "not now" doesn't mean "never."
We decided not to buy him a book he wanted, and I already feel awful about it. I *hate* saying no to books. But it's a new hardcover, and we were only at the store to buy a birthday gift for his friend.
I wouldn't feel nearly so conflicted if it had been a toy. And we really will buy it for him soon - probably next pay period!
But he is heartbroken and wounded and angry and sad.
@generica We had just been at the library! 😭 The book is so new (it's a sequel to one his class read aloud) that they don't have it yet at all.
@reedsandstrings Yeah, that sounds tough.
Is the library a thing that he can get excited and behind? About celebrating the community of a place where people share books.
Likely something you've already instilled but maybe worth mentioning that a trip to the library will not only get him that book he wanted but maybe some others he didn't know existed. :D
@sonicbooming We love the library - and had just come from there. This book is brand new and they don't have it yet. Plus he owns the first book - this is a sequel he's been looking forward to. But his teacher is going to read it aloud to the class as soon as they finish they're current book, and it would have more than doubled the cost of this trip today.
I know it was the decision we had to make, but I still feel bad about it.
@reedsandstrings maybe when the book does in fact come later he'll be able to believe it
@cutewitchirl That has never worked before. Next time we say "not now," he still will hear "never."
Until, I suppose, he eventually grows out of it.
@reedsandstrings does he get pocket money? We have a rule that if the kid want to save up and buy a book, we will always pay 50%. That might help matters?
@reedsandstrings
I also felt guilt about that but it is good experience to learn how to deal with disappointment. Doesn't help I know. :) How about introduction to the library for the book and the hold list if necessary?