Democracy... Part 2

I left off with me standing at the edge of the parking lot, half-dropping Jacob, while Hannah was having a meltdown on the sidewalk behind me. I desperately needed to get Jacob to the car, partly so that I wouldn't drop him and partly because I would be much better equipped to deal with Hannah if I had my hands free. But I couldn't go to the car because I was worried that Hannah would follow me into the busy parking lot. I continued to smile at the sympathetic passers-by while pondering what to do next.

Finally, I resorted to old stand-by from Hannah's terrible two's. I counted to 3. And miraculously, it worked! She took my hand and stumbled across the parking lot, still sobbing, still making a scene, but at least headed in the right direction. She climbed into the car and I went to the other side to buckle Jacob in. Ah, one down. I went back to her side and phase 2 kicked in. She arched her back, tried getting out of her seat, and made it virtually impossible to do up her buckles. Somehow, I succeeded, and we were on our way home.

I took the opportunity of having both kids restrained for a little lecture. I talked to Hannah about her embarrassing behaviour using language far too sophisticated for a 4 year-old. She, however, agreed with everything I said and grudgingly offered an apology. It was one of those "sorry"s that was more grunted than spoken, but I took it anyway. And the next day, when she smothered me with kisses, I knew that was her true way of asking for forgiveness.