Let me introduce you to the most stubborn child in the world. I’ve learned over the last four years to not try to fight the power that is my stubborn son.  He is a Callaway – which means once his mind is made up there is no persuading him.  However, David, my sweet tender husband still believes that somehow he is in charge and that he can force his will upon the natural force of his son.  Let me present this example.

Max has been fighting a cold.  Nothing serious but it has resulted in a deep, wet cough that requires the intake of regular cough medicine.  Although Max has normally been willing to take his medicine this time around every dose has been an argument. Since most over-the-counter medications only marginally help I don’t fight him. If he doesn’t want to take it – don’t take it. However, he is not sleeping well at night and it has started to become imperative that he take it prior to bed time. This evening as I presented him with his tiny 1 tsp dose he instantly cranked up the tears and tantrum.  I shouted to David for suggestions on how to force a 3 year old to swallow something he doesn’t want to swallow.  David bolted into the bathroom prepared to show me how a man would take charge of this tiny tot’s tantrum.  I silently giggled.

Attempt #1

David threatens Max with instant bed time and no more video games if he doesn’t swallow his medicine.  Max presses the plastic cup to his mouth, squishing his nose and squirting tears at an alarming rate. He opens his mouth and as he pours the syrup into his mouth he turns his head sideways so all the medicine pours directly out and into the sink.

Attempt #2

David cranks up the threats with spanks and the inability to play xBox if he doesn’t swallow his medicine. Max refuses. He will neither hold the cup nor attempt to swallow it.  Tears are flowing freely and Max is trying to hide his face.  David forcefully tilts his head back and pours the medicine into his mouth.  Max holds the medicine in his mouth and then tilts his head forward and lets it all spill into the sink. (Did I mention that this medicine costs $10 a bottle?)

Attempt #3

David is exasperated but feeling as stubborn as Max.  I, on the other hand, am laughing. I am so amazingly impressed with my son’s strong will and my husband’s inability to see that he is losing this battle on all fronts. David grabs Max’s head, tilts it backwards, pours the medicine in his mouth and starts shouting at him to SWALLOW!  Max eventually surrenders and swallows the medicine although tears are everywhere and snot is pouring down his nose.  David leaves the bathroom triumphantly and Max is left crying to his sister, “Daddy made me take medicine.”

And people wonder why I’m hesitant to have his tonsils removed.  You know why? Because if there is one kid in this world who will refuse to take in liquids regardless of how thirsty or how yummy the drink offered is it will be my son.  The good news is that I can’t imagine trying to peer pressure him into doing ANYTHING.