Who got gum in their hair?

Oh that's right . . . the 4 year old!

Brooklyn has really been into chewing gum lately.  I didn't think she would like it or understand not to swallow it at first, but since her first piece she's been in love with it.  So today, since she finished all of her lunch (a challenge lately) she got to enjoy yet another piece of gum.  We had movie time (aka mom-gets-to-lay-down time) at which time I issued the warning that the gum stay in her mouth.  Just like any 4 year old would, she obviously took her gum out regardless of the warning.  She came into my room and said, "Mom, my gum is stuck in my hair." To which I replied, "Really?" and started laughing.  I laugh only because I've been really looking for opportunities to help her learn about choices and consequences. Well, if you know Brooklyn, she gets embarrassed pretty easily when it comes to a new experience.  So as I start laughing she starts crying . . . and crying . . . and crying.  First she's crying because she's embarrassed, then she's crying because I'm pulling on her hair, then because I won't let her hold the ice on her hair, then because the ice isn't working, then because the vinegar is stinky, then because I'm pulling her hair again. Well, you get the picture.  I was also considering the famous peanut butter, or vegetable oil, or vaseline, but I was done listening to the crying, which also woke up Taylor.  So listening to two very unhappy children resulted to only one solution to have it done and over with.  

The scissors!  There were only a few strands left and I figured it wouldn't be too obvious if I just cut out the rest.  After I got her hair washed and Taylor fed, everybody was okay and we could have some peace and quiet around the house. You can't even tell I cut her hair unless you're looking for it.

During this whole experience, I was practicing my dad's most recent sound advice he gave me. "Help your children work through their consequences." You can't control every choice they make, but you can always be there for them when something goes wrong.  And don't dish out the "I told you so" phrase as much as you want to, it doesn't make anybody feel better, but a hug and a little empathy could go a long way. I hope she never forgets this experience.