We have been bribing Dax to go and see Santa if he sleeps in his new bed. It hasn't been working so well and he hasn't really got the concept of staying in bed, but he can't get it out of his head to "See Santa" because I talk to him about 5 trillion times a day. Even after telling him we can't go see Santa unless he sleeps in his big boy bed, which hasn't happened a full night through yet, what else do we do the first chance we get? Take him to go see Santa. So, my 1st time mommy lesson learned (related to bribing; we all know this isn't the 1st lesson learned) is never to bribe your kids with something you really do want them to have/experience. Make it something you really could care less about taking away, okay? (I'm reminding myself of the rules!)
Alright, enough Life Lessons for now....On to the meet and greet with Santa. I was picturing Disneyland all over again, but surprisingly it went pretty well.
Here is the order of events:
* We wait in line
* Dax is super excited as we approached the front* Austin puts Dax down to run onto Santa's lap when it's his turn
* Dax cries for Austin to hold him
* Dax not looking at Santa
* Santa mentions a train for Christmas and that grabs Dax's attention enough for a glance at Jolly Ol' St. Nick 
*Austin puts Dax right onto Santa's lap for the photo op
* Dax not loving being on Santa's lap...
*...but, at the same time, Dax not hating being on his lap either
*Camera Elf gets a semi non-crying picture of Dax and Santa. But really, what kind of picture of Santa is there with a two year old that doesn't have a little tear shed??
*Wait for our picture to print. Dax thinks him and Santa are BFF's now that he is back in Austin's arms and waves and says "Bye Santa" with a big huge grin
*Dax happy to be back in his stroller with his chocolate covered popcorn (thanks Carter) and new book from Santa.
Overall, not bad!! I just need to work on my bribing technique!
2 comments:
Those are cute pictures. Dang...I thought Santa would go over better than that. At least you have a few pictures. Trying to bribe will soon fade to compromise...and eventually you will lose all control and they will just do what they want. At least that seems to be the way it works in my house.
Well, if it helps any, he probably won't even sit on Santa's lap at 3! Gabs totally refused. I love the pictures anyway, crying with Santa, classic! His hat is adorable too!
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