As I’m sure just about any Mommy will tell you, it is absolutely no fun when your little ones don’t feel good. I worry, I fret, I question my mother’s instinct, I give in to otherwise ridiculous 3 year old requests.
My daughter has had the same pain complaints for a few days now. Being 3, she has also figured out cause and effect…in toddler speak, it goes something like this: “Mommy, I don’t feel so good.” (when this elicits a sympathetic response, an itty bitty light bulb goes off in the brain that says, not only “Mommy will take good care of me.” but also, “I can get what I want.”
Her sweet face and the tears she seems to be able to summon at will, get me every time.
I have been observing this phenomenon evolve over the last few days. She complains of pain, I let her sit on the couch, watch some extra tv, lie in our bed, stop whatever I am doing to give comfort. So, now, the complaints come whenever she doesn’t want to do something, like eat her dinner. And, they mainly cease when she is doing what she wants to do. Little Stinker.
Here’s the kicker: I do actually think she has been experiencing some discomfort. It isn’t all an act for my benefit. But the trick is: figuring out just how much pain she’s in.
Since I did believe she wasn’t feeling well, and since I’d rather err on the side of caution (the side that makes her feel better) I took her in to the doctor. She’s fine. That is good news. I can now breathe easily, knowing she is not in danger. Doctor gave me a recommendation that may help if she is uncomfortable, but assures me, my three year old is, at least a little, playing me. Little Stinker.
Fortunately, my mommy instinct wasn’t completely out of whack. Who knew 3 year olds could develop the ‘cry-wolf’ trait? I’m learning every day!
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