A Shot of Nice

Dean took Layne to the doctor a little over a week ago because he was complaining about his ears hurting. There he was, all three children surrounding him in the room, when he proceeds to tell Blair that she was there to get a "Nice Shot". This did not sit well with that child and sent her into a fit of tears while she begged for just one more chance to be nice and promised to be an angel. The pictures that he sent to me made me laugh and feel sorry for her. I know she was overly worried about getting a shot, that is her biggest concern anytime the word doctor is mentioned in our house.

I guess I should tell you what led up to this threat. Blair had been acting up at home, refusing to listen, and was getting a little too aggressive with Kennedy and Layne. On one hand, she is now the middle child and because everyone ignores her this is her way of getting attention but it is causing us great frustration and needs to be corrected before someone gets hurt. Time outs, taking away activities, and sending her to her room weren't working at all. In just a few seconds at the pediatrician's office, Dean came up with the "Nice Shot" as a last ditch effort to get her back in line. He gave her a one month evaluation period and if she behaved and listened to everyone, then she could avoid this shot, if not, he was headed back to the doctor with her. The idea of her having to get a shot led to some great days of perfect manners, voluntarily helping with chores, and lots of love being shown to her siblings. I had a perfect 5 year old for about two days and then we were back to our old ways. 

Which brings us to this morning's waterworks session. Kennedy had an appointment for some vaccinations and Dean was taking her after he dropped Blair off at school. I had forgotten about his deal with Blair until she came running into my room, panic stricken eyes, begging for me to help her escape. Donning her backpack and clutching my car keys, she told me that it was her day to get the "Nice Shot" and she needed my help sneaking to school. Her grand plan was to "tippytaptoe" out the door while he was getting dressed and was distracted. In order for this to work, I was going to have to get dressed at work or in the car in the church parking lot because she had to get out of that house quickly. I glanced up to see a grin on Dean's face, liken to that of a Cheshire cat, and the begging, pleading, and negotiating started up between the two. Between sobs (and while wrapped around my leg as tightly as a tourniquet) she promised to be nice, listen, and follow the rules at home (oddly she seems to be an angel at school) if he'd call the doctor and tell them to give her one more month. He agreed to her terms with the understanding that by opting out of the first round of the "Nice Shot", she was going to have to get the more painful one if he did have to take her to the doctor in a month. A handshake sealed the deal. I can't wait to see how long this agreement lasts....