This is how it works with Malan: she is worried about something, I explain the whats and whys, she thinks about it, and then she handles it. She is a reasonable and rational little person.
I may have taken advantage of this.
Today it was time to get her four year immunizations. after telling her we needed to go to the doctor for her shots, she was quite upset. I sat her down and carefully explained about the different diseases that getting our shots protects us from, and that it would only hurt for just a minute. She looked perhaps even more worried but said, "Okay Mom, I can be brave." She continued to think about it all morning but willingly put on her coat and marched to the car when it was time to go.
I was really amazed at her courage as the nurse gave her one shot after another (4!) on her little legs. She squeezed my hands but didn't make a single peep. We then headed out to the car and I praised her for being so brave.
She quietly climbed into her seat but I noticed some tears welling up. Soon she could hold it in no longer and said desperately as the tears began to roll, "Now am I safe from the lumps and weasels?"
Oh, dear. Deary, dear.
I assured her she was, and that she wouldn't have to get any more shots for a very long time.
"Then that's enough being brave!"
And she sobbed.
Well, no more rational discussion. We promptly went to the store, picked out a special treat, and went home for some serious couch snuggle.
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