Sticky Surprise

My kids, like most kids, love treats. Candy, chocolate, lollipops - you name it, they love it. No, the obsess over it. I think they start every day with the thought 'what good deed can I do (or say I did) to get a treat?' Obviously I have mistakenly used treats as a means to reward good behavior. The problem is that the high five lost its novelty years ago. So, I motivate with treats. Sue me, Dr. Oz.

This past year I really have tried to transform our diet (sometimes to my husband's chagrin) into a more balanced and healthy one. Therefor, the treat days are numbered. In an effort to transition away from the treats, I introduced sugar-free gum. Now-a-days they have a bazillion and one flavors available unlike the blue Trident I grew up with. So I thought I am on to something here! What a selection! With names like Fabulous Fruitini and Sangria Fresca, where could I go wrong?

My soon-to-be 3 year old has quickly adopted the use of gum as a motivator. She loves, loves, loves gum. In fact, every time we get into the car (which with 3 kids, I am sure you can imagine how frequent that occurrence takes place) she pleads for a piece of gum. Seeing as she is merely 3 and may not get the concept of chewing without swallowing, I started her off small. A tiny piece here, a tiny piece there. She learned quickly.

One night, as I do every night, I went to pat Lyla's back to get her to sleep. I can thank the daycare for that little trick. Anyway, as I started patting, I realized that my hand was remaining connected to her pajamas. Little piece of gum, anyone??? The next day, a similar thing occurred. I went to take Lyla out of her car seat and her leg had this really long string attaching her leg to the strap. Another sticky surprise.

Once again, my brilliant ideas aren't turning out to be so brilliant. And I thought I had this parenting thing down.