This viola got left at home today by my fourth grader.  Conundrum : should I run back home today (since, you know, I’m just a homemaker so my time is limitless… sigh…) or let Rhea attend music class without it, suffer the logical consequences, etc..?

And before you start throwing me the “if she doesn’t have to suffer the consequences she’ll never learn to be responsible” type answers at me, let’s assume you don’t know the whole picture.  For example, I think it’s relevant that orchestral instruction began less than a month ago.  We’re hardly in a groove yet.

Also relevant: Rhea practiced a ton the past few days.  The whole family and likely the neighbors on all three sides have been humming “Hot Cross Buns” incessantly…

Final proof of reason to ponder my decision: Rhea did remember to put her viola out last night, right in front of the coat/backpack rack so she’d see it in the morning.  Don’t you just hate when you do things like that and then still forget?  Talk about your aggravation.

So I thought about my options as a mother this morning.  Underneath it all I am a stickler for learning responsibility, but, but, but…

Solution!

OK, honey.  Here’s the deal: I’ll turn around and go back for your viola, and to thank me, you can fold the load of laundry I was going to get to but will now not have time for.

Now she’s the one pondering (Rhea hates laundry.)

Don’t you just love a story with a happy ending–for me, that is? 🙂

Also, next time the viola will get placed into the car the night before!