Reprogramming

Lauren has the bad habit of asking if we'll buy her practically every item in a store. It doesn't matter what type of store we're in. She will literally ask about canned tomatoes in the grocery store.

Gently reminding hasn't worked. Flat out refusal to buy anything hasn't worked.

So last week, when we were about to leave Target after having asked about probably 25 assorted items, I pointed at a toy in the check out aisle. It was a Littlest Pet Shop toy. The little packages are usually between $3-5.

"If you had behaved by not asking us to buy you every item in the store," I said quietly, "You would be able to select one of these. Maybe next time you'll think about that."

It brought on a cascade of tears and a half-hearted tantrum. At bedtime, she was still lamenting the very cool toy she didn't get.

The next day, we were grocery shopping, and she proceeded to do the same thing. As we were leaving, I pointed out a treat in the freezer cabinet - flying saucers from Carvel. I said, "If you had behaved, you would be able to choose one of these. But instead we're not getting them."

The day after that, we went to The Children's Place to buy new shirts for Lin who had grown out of every item she owned overnight and the box of 18-24 month hand-me-downs had 2 shirts in it because of daycare wear. Prepared to buy Lindsay 6-8 long sleeved shirts and 3 footed pajamas, we drove about 15 miles to TCP Outlet. As we entered the store, Lauren asked, "If I don't ask about everything, can I get something here?"

"Yep," I replied.

So as we left, she selected a packages of undies and Valentine's Day pajamas.