Another brilliant parenting moment brought to you by Sonic.

Six months ago I had this conversation with the bunny. I typed a note to myself so I wouldn't forget it. I'm just now cleaning out some files and I found it. It still amuses me.


I pull up to the speaker box at Sonic and ask the bunny if she wants tots.

She replies, "No."

I order our drinks and when the dude asks if we want fries or tots, I say, "No, thank you."


I pull forward.

The bunny screams, "Yes, I do want tater tots!"

me: You said you didn't want tots.

the bunny:  I don't want tots. I want TATER tots."

me:

the bunny: (whiney voice) Mommy, can I have tater tots?

me: Okay.

We pull up to the window. I get our drinks and hand the bunny's slush back to her. (Note the distraction.) I have a brief conversation with the gal at the window while she's running my cc. We talk about nothing in particular. She hands me my receipt and I pull away.

me to the bunny: The lady said the tater tot machine was broken today. Maybe we'll get tater tots next time.

the bunny: The machine is broken? We can get some next time? Okay.

Crisis averted.

Lesson learned: Heck yes it's okay to fib if it deflects a full-blown, tot-denied, preschooler tantrum! And it goes on record that I said, "yes."

Brilliant, no?

I parent by tantrum avoidance and I'm not afraid to admit it!