The Rule · Question 9 of 26
Should Leo be punished for breaking a rule that didn't exist yet?
Leo climbed the big tree in the yard on Saturday. That night the grown-ups made a new rule: nobody climbs the big tree. Now they say Leo should miss dessert for it.
What earns a point in this world: Names someone the rule lands on who isn't in the room.
Yes, he should!
Reasons a child might give
- Everyone knew that tree was dangerous, rule or no rule.
- If he gets away with it, the next kid will climb it too.
- The rule only exists because of what he did.
No rule, no punishment!
Reasons a child might give
- He can't follow a rule nobody had made yet.
- That's like changing the game after somebody wins.
- Tell him the rule now. Punish him next time.
Debate this one against an opponent that argues back.
Your child picks a side. Quill takes the other and answers what they actually said, in words a seven-year-old can read. A room of 20 moves only for a reason — and the idea behind the story is named at the end, once the debate is over. Ages 5–12.
Start debating$2.90 for the first month, then $29.90/month. Cancel any time.