After my five year old’s well check today we went for treats. Shots always equal treats.
He took that shot like a man. You know, a lot of dramatic anticipation and some subtle tears, shrouded in a tough guy act. But even had he melted down at shot time, we would have gone for treats. Because that’s what you do.
And because throughout the entire exam he was a perfect gentleman. He acted like an actual person. In the day-to-day grind of “I don’t want to” and “you’re the meanest mommy” and “he hit me first and took that toy and why can’t I sit there,” it’s easy to forget that our kids are people.
As H talked to the doctor today, politely answering questions and following directions, my pride puffed a little. I thought, Forget getting a treat, singular, that small person could talk me into a dozen cookies or an ice cream parlor.
Thankfully he didn’t ask for a Ben & Jerry’s franchise. I’m not prepared for a full time scoop shop job.
Instead we went to Central Market and picked up a couple of peanut butter cookies, a coffee for me, and a pro-biotic shake for H.
On the way home H talked wistfully about how super good and dee-licious his cookie was.
“I love peanut butter cookies, Mom.”
“Me, too. They’re one of my favorites.”
“But I like them more than you do, Mom. Go ahead, tell me the number you like them, like a number for how much they’re your favorite, and I bet you that I like them more.”
“Um, I haven’t assigned them a number, buddy. I just like them.”
“But I thought you said they were your favorite, and how can that be if you don’t know the number? Like are they your number 1 favorite or your number 20 favorite?”
“Bud, I just can’t answer that.”
And here’s where I think I’m going to seize a Mom Moment, what with him acting like a real person today. Here’s where I decide to share some deep, philosophical thinking with my five year old.
I think I know my audience. And it’s time to wow that audience.
We drive, and I talk. I talk about how our tastes grow and change with us. I explain that when I was his age I hated fish, but now I love it. H is so quiet in the back seat, I assume he’s listening, nodding with all the wisdom of his five years.
I go for the big closer.
“That’s one of the best things about life, H. You grow, you change, you learn new things. Today peanut butter cookies are your favorite, but one day it might be oatmeal chocolate chip. It’s a big world. Don’t be afraid to change your mind and try new things.”
Silence.
“H-man, what do you think? Isn’t it exciting that there are always new things to try?”
A mumbled uh, a beat of silence and finally, he speaks.
“Hey mom, that is crazy.”
This is where I think I’ve nailed it. I’ve imparted some words to live by. Who knows her audience, baby?
“My tongue got caught in my pro-bionic drink. It was awesome!”
I wonder…
:: When’s the last time you had a conversation with your kids only to realize you were sharing a Deep Thoughts moment with yourself?
:: Do you take your kids for treats after well checks?
:: What’s your favorite cookie?
Lapsed homemaker. Looking to hire a full-time housekeeper who will work for the sheer joy of a job well done and free coffee. Interested parties, DM please. 
I find myself doing it everyday. And now they are correcting me- and a lot of the times I find that the info i’m giving is totally bogus and I have no idea what I’m talking about. That’s when I tell them to go ask daddy. The get the lollipop and a sticker- that’s treat enough for me. Chocolate chip all the way!!!!
I have always been a sucker for a butter cookie. And I feel like I have these conversations all the time…sometimes with my husband
I’d be all “nuh uhhh…they’re my favourite cookie” cause I’m all about being the best 😉
Kidding.
My kid is only 2 so the only conversations that are philisophical are about how grown ups don’t like poop smooshed in their butt cheeks.
I know, I know..but then I think how many times i can’t wait for my husband to shuttup so i can say what I’m thinking next.
Apple=tree
Aww, shots are sad. A had her 15-mo well check today, and we definitely did treats. A lollipop and Dora make the world go round at our house!
Cute story – the kids I nanny for have ruining a teachable moment down to a science!
Oh, and oatmeal chocolate chip. Hands down.
Well my tongue gets stuck in my pro bionic bottle a lot too. I hear ya H!
Where is there a Central Market around here?
Chocolate chip. Truly, I had no idea there were other sorts of cookies — what a waste of calories! ; )
I am so with you! I often think my kids are following me and I’ll yammer on and on. They will pause and say, “so, what’s for dinner” or something equally irrelevant. And yes, I’ve had the same scenario occur with the hubs. Geesh.
The teachable moment followed by the realization they weren’t listening…such a mom downer!
I think most conversations go over my kids’ heads. I’m hoping at least some of it sinks in, at least with my five year old, as he gets older. Repeating has to count for something right??
Oh I wish my boys would act cool in the Doctors office. They panic as soon as we turn onto the road and the flood gates open when we walk in. The other day I had to take my 5 yr old for an ear infection. He was screaming so loud my 2 yr old hid behind the trash can afraid the doctor was going to touch him. Sigh. But yes I do bribe them and give them treats when they’ve been brave 😉
You know I love me some peanut butter – Oh come on after all the time I’ve spent with Harvey I think even I would have known either his tongue was stuck or he had nodded off!
It’s like they only save the brilliance for others.
Just when I think JDaniel is grasping something deep I am trying to share he says things like “Do you hear an aipline?”
D1 used to cry at shots. Then she had to get her blood drawn for her 2 year checkup. When the tech inserts the needle, she goes, “Uh oh…” and doesn’t cry at all. We all found that hilarious.
Favorite cookie? Potbelly Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, or POCCC for short. I may or may not have eaten 4 of them in one sitting.
Hey girlfriend – where are you? Have not seen you out and about in the blogosphere, hope all is well over there.
Much love to you xxx
Treats are the most essential ingredient of a successful doctor’s trip!! I’m with you!