Checking Out

I was reading this
http://familyshare.com/12-ways-to-be-the-meanest-mom-in-the-world and thought I might be one of the meanest moms according to my children.  I then remembered one check out that saying no wasn't going to cut it. 

We were at a shoe store and they conveniently had a little candy section at the level of my 18 month old and five year old.  While reminding my five year old that we don't buy candy at the check out aisle, my  18 month old put one sucker and then a second sucker in his mouth (wrappers still on, but still...eww, I am imagining what other kids might have done the same thing and they put them back, my kids are not reaping any affects from that, phew) .  Perfect for them, I then had to buy them.  I was already a little frazzled by then as the shoe buying experience was a little hectic.  So I bought them and told them they had to get in the car and seat belts nicely then we would open them.  Well, I sat down as we were all buckled in and they were peacefully licking away.  I looked at my receipt and noticed prices were higher than I calculated (which I couldn't pay attention to at the counter, because I was wrestling sneaky fingers).  I then took 2 sticky boys back into the store and returned some things.  We were on our way with no more suckers this time, thank goodness

After reflecting on this, I had a few thoughts: Did I fall to the sales scam?  to my kids?  I didn't have a choice he put them both in his mouth.  I was then responsible for them. 

Then I thought: I did have a choice.  Now my kids are going to lick everything! 

So my solution in the future (because I am sure it will happen again...they are everywhere): One- hand the licked suckers to the cashier so they won't be bought by someone else.  Tell them we don't want them, but they put them there where this could happen and not pay.  Two-pay for them and ask them to throw them away or throw them away at the door.  Number one would only teach the single clerk a lesson and probably nothing would happen.  Option two would teach my children we have to buy it because we "broke" it, but we won't be buying everything just because they licked it.  I am sure more tears would ensue when throwing it away, but I would hopefully teach them something and save another curious kid that falls to the temptation from more germs.

That being said...we cannot judge.  Yes, the mom that gives into their tantrum child, might do it all the time.  Or the mom might never let it happen, but the one time you saw that mom she did give in.  You never know what was on her plate that day or how her experience at the store to that point was.  I really think the check out area is evil!  Somebody that keeps doing it has to keep food on their table too.

If you made it this far...thanks for enduring that little journey in my thoughts.  I hope it made a difference ;)

Another Tooth Fairy Story

Apparently we have really lived this tooth fairy thing up.  Our 10 year old is very into it.  Taylin lost a premolar.  This one has been an adventurous one.  First of all I let it soak all the blood off in a cup with water.  I apparently forgot, dumped it down the sink and didn't realize that I did until the disposal made a strange sound.  I went in and it was fine just a little chiseled. 

We completely forgot the first night, last night...it was cold and we were up late watching the FSU vs. Auburn game.  

Taylin set out her fairy figurines and a welcome sign.