Untraining the untrainable.

I admit, I have done things I'm not proud of to 'just get by' when it comes to managing my three little people in public.


I have used food and treats (gummies to be more specific) to..ahem.. bribe my kids into behaving. 


I already admitted my lack of pride for my behavior. But I bet that you'd do the same thing...and some of you, probably DO! It's ok, I get it. I'm there with you. 3 little copy cats...bad behavior is more prevalent than good behavior!


However, I have created 3 Pavlov children using 'destinations' as a trigger for needing food. Not 4 kids because bless his heart, A-Dog has already been trained and untrained.


Arrive at Target? They are all 3 hungry.


Arrive to Church? They are all 3 hungry.


Zoo, grocery store, Grandma and Grandpa's house? Yup, you got it - they are HUNGRY!


I'm sure you are thinking to yourself. "Why don't you just feed them before you go somewhere". I assure you, that is not the problem. 


This week, I have begun the untraining. Trust me when I say, I will be the one paying the price! (I will be needing a reload on my Starbucks card...or is that just another Pavlov issue?)


Before we left the house Tuesday, I warn them all "you JUST ate, I am NOT bringing any snacks. If you need a drink, get it now". 


What do you think they said when we got to Target? 


"I'm HUNGRY".


I quickly told them that I didn't bring anything.  Monkey says "not even GUMMIES???". No Monkey, nothing. AT ALL. I didn't even look them in the eye - I could hear the disbelief as they looked at each other and sighed.


Today we went to the grocery store. Agent P says "I'm thirsty". Making no eye contact again, I just reminded him that there was no water and quickly shuffled them out of the van.


It's not summer here, so I am OK with them being without water for 1 hour. 


They say it takes 3 weeks to break a habit.


I am on day 5. Wish me luck :)