Anyhow, along with the GTG line of comedy, someone came up with the "What's worse?" questioning that was very popular among 5th graders in the eighties. Need another example to jolt the brain? Whats worse?.......Lemon juice squirted directly in the eyeballs for hours or sliding down a razor blade into a pool of alcohol? You're thinking it over, aren't you?
What does all this have to do with this blog? Well, I'll tell you. After a little vacation away from mom and dad, Kaelan has decided to test her authority around the McBrayer Ranch. In other words, she was spoiled rotten whilst we were away, and she wants the fun to continue......which isn't going to happen......
So this week has been a trying one....lots of testing patience and butting heads. After an exasperating few days, Mom decided to scrap the parenting methods found in magazines and just go back to the the old standby......you know what I'm talking about......good ol' reliable bribery.
I know, I'm not supposed to talk about it.....this sneaky little secret among parents, but I have to let it out in my own little therapeutic blogging manner. The truth is I don't like bribing, but sometimes, well.....you have to do what you have to do.
Which leads me back to the opening of this blog.......What's worse?......A screaming, whining, incoherent, uncooperative toddler.....or.......I'm at a loss, is there something worse?
That desperation is what led me to start carrying around a mini bag of M&M's.
Positive reinforcement....it works....AND it works even better topped with a sweet melted chocolate on the tongue. It wasn't until the third time I asked Kaelan to do something and she immediately obeyed and I found myself patting her on the back and giving her encouraging words, "Good job, honey", and then popping her token M & M in her mouth, that I realized how strangely Westminster Dog Show it seemed. You know how they keep those little doggy treats in their pocket and with every positive behavior, the owner reaches in their pocket and slips the dog a bribe? If you watch closely, you will see that with time, the dog becomes completely enthralled with the pocket of magic goodies, and spends most of his time staring at it with worshipping eyes. About the time I noticed Kaelan staring at my pocket before completing the task at hand, I realized the M & M thing is probably not a good idea. So after a 6 or so treats, we are back to the old parenting methods.....wish me luck!
Ending thoughts...........What's worse?.......A difficult daughter or a difficult daughter with a nervous sugar tic and a mouth full of cavities? I'll take the first.....
