Sorry is not going to do it...

As Emma was being dropped off from school ...

Emma: Mommy I have a problem.

Me: What's that?

Emma: I can't do it without my two jackets! (erupting in mournful outright wail)

Earlier in the week I had given some slightly used clothes to her friend who is a size or two smaller.

Me: But love, you didn't want to wear the brown one for last several times when I suggested and both of them are a few years old and will not fit you anymore next winter.

Emma: (in the midst of sobbing) They are my two special favorite coats! I can't have Brianna have them.

Me: I'm sorry, I should have checked with you, but you never wanted to wear either one, so I thought you wouldn't mind. What if it's Brianna's turn to have special coats?

Emma: No, Mommy. She throws them on the ground and it really hurts my feelings. I never wanted to wear them, because I didn't want them to get dirty or rip. They are so special to me. (again NO breaks in the sobbing!)

Me: I am so sorry, Emma. I did not know any of this.

Emma: Sorry is just not going to do it, Mommy...

There was no mention of any of this in the advanced theories of family development!!! All those credit hours gone to waste...