Punishment???

You know a punishment has lost it's effictiveness when this happens:

Tonight our son crept out of his room after bedtime. I caught him and told him "Back to bed sweetie." His reply caught me off guard. He said "No thanks, I'd like a punishment!"

     Mom: "You want a punishment?"

     Son: "A Daddy one!"

     Mom: "What kind of punishment do you want Daddy to give you?"

     Son: "A kneeling one, with my head on the step."

     Mom: "Really?"

     Son: "Yup, a Daddy one."

     Mom: (trying not to giggle) "Wait at the top of the steps, I'm going to get your father."

I called in his father from outside and quietly explained this strange story.

Do you submit to your child's whims when they get out of bed after bedtime or do you punish them?  How do you punish a child who is asking to be punished? Does he really deserve a punishment or is he just in need of attention?  

We were interrupted by a little voice calling from the top of the steps "Don't forget hands behind the back . . . kneeling on the steps, hands behind the back!"

     Dad: "Back to bed, I'll tuck you in!" 

     Son: "No thanks, I want a punishment, The steps kind."

     Dad: "I'll carry you" (tries to lift child)

     Son: (kicking and crying) "No! I want a punishment!"

     Dad: "Okay, if that's what you want. Kneel at the steps."

     Son: "Hands behind my back?"

     Dad: "Yes, hands behind your back."

     Son: "Okay Daddy!"

After his "punishment" he happily trotted back to bed while we tried to hide our laughing.

So, did we punish him or not? I'm not sure . . . parenting is a strange business!