It's all about finding the right word

Have you ever noticed how much of a challenge it is to get your kids to move? At least faster than at a snails pace? Just trying to get my children out of their car seats and into Burger King tonight was a feat. Actually, Ayris was out at lightening speed but Asher was lagging behind. I had asked him to put the Snore Stop spray in his car seat (Chris cleaned this out and Asher has been using it to spray everything) but he was having difficulty letting go. Just as he started to walk towards the door and away from his car seat, he changed his mind, turned back and grabbed the spray.

Mommy: Asher, buddy...can you put the spray in your car seat?
Asher: (Silently shakes his head no.)
Mommy: Come on buddy, you want to have some french fries???

(Normally this works...the kids can be persuaded to do most anything when it comes to french fries...apparently Asher had found something more appealing)

Asher: Thinks about it for a second and then shakes his head no again.
Mommy: (Getting more irritated but using that high pitched, don't I sound happy voice that is supposed to allude children to the fact that you're all sunshine but if they defer your suggestion one more time, you're going to yank them out of the car by their ears and be done with it) Buddy! Guess what...do you want to go play? They have a play place here!

French fries hasn't worked...surely the option of playing will be enough to win him over.

Asher: (You can tell he's contemplating this but ultimately decides its a no go still)
Mommy: Slides Asher...they have slides!
Asher: OK! (Jumps out of car)

Anyone else feel like parenting...or should I say coercing is just one big guessing game half the time? It's like I have to go through various escapades before I finally find that one magic word (in this case, slides) that encourages my kid to do what I'm asking!

Also...while we were there, I noticed my little boy was the only one who kept running back to his mommy to give her hugs and kisses...it was really sweet. Ayris has never done that but Asher has always felt the need to "check in" with me anytime he's out playing. I guess he still needs me...for now =)

P.S. I'm gonna post all the freebies I scored tonight when I was out shopping at CVS and Target...goes to show how much you can save (i.e. 100%) when you stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons!

I just thought I'd put this up here too...it's a little wind up caterpillar...you can't really tell in this picture but it's completely submerged under water...I found this on the kitchen table when I came home from shopping. These are just the crazy things that happen in a home that has kids...just think of all the things I'd be missing out on if it were just me and Chris! (Although, I'd still probably have the word game to deal with...trying to come up with the best route to get him to do what I want him to do =)