This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of the things I explained to you a few days ago about showing your wife that you understand her feelings and to show her "team" and spirit and unity as a couple. Obviously she worries about something happening to the kids walking alone. Allow her to worry. It is ok if she is worried. It is highly important that you show her that you not only understand her feelings, but assure her that her feelings are safe with you. I know you want to argue it is only a 5 minute walk, but arguing your point is what got you here. I would try another approach. HERS.
I think you would be very wise to tell her something like this... "Mrs. Ping, you are right (shows agreement with her feelings) you did tell me not to let them walk to their friends house and I apologize. I won't let it happen again".. THAT is all you say. Then drop it. Don't bring it up again. Then YOU tell the kids what you and their mom has decided. It isn't up for negotiation with the kids.
Stand firm on this WITH her. The interesting thing is that once you stand on her side of this issue, you may start to see her change her tune on that issue. Instead of the kids driving a wedge between you, you have now shown a united front to them. (which kids respect years later)
Your other option is to argue your thoughts on the issue and keep your wife in the state of mind that got her to this point. Remember.. She FEELS like the only parent on discipline with the kids. Get on your wife and childhood sweethearts side of these small issues. It is called being a supportive husband. She will give you an opening down the road on this very issue after the kids start nagging HER to let them walk. She will then want to take on the role of the "nice" parent for awhile. When she does that, then you can "give the kids YOUR permission to walk" as a UNITED COUPLE...
As far as Disney World goes...... "Mrs. Ping... Yes I agree Disney World is a busy place and the kids may be a handful. I would love to take them, but I admit that I have been lax on the discipline side with them and ALLOWED you to be the one who ALWAYS (just say always even if it isn't actually "always") does while I haven't. I would love to take them and promise to watch them like a hawk. However if you don't feel comfortable with me taking them, then I do understand and will find something else for me to do with them. (decisive and flexible person that you are LOL) Then end the email pleasantly and don't bring it up again. If she says no, then if it was ME, I wouldn't go. Again, you can take this into an argument if you wish, but I don't believe that has gotten you much progress. She will be expecting you to argue and whine and complain to get your way. Surprise her. You may again find that she will soften her stance with this approach. Maybe she won't. Time will tell, but I have seen it happen quite often.
Anniversary card? YES. Mushy... NO... (Run the card you get her on here if you have the guts and I can give you an idea if you are heading down the "pressure or pleading" path with it.) I would put a little note in it that says something like this..
Just to let you know, I have heard you and what you have been trying to tell me for a long time. I am very sorry for my failures as a husband and father to such a giving, thoughtful woman. Signed... Ping
Then don't mention it again and go golfing or find another club to buy and hold tight..... Let her chew on that for awhile Ping... LOL...
