Flu shot

Yesterday we went to the health department to get some booster H1N1 flu shots for the boys. They were free and we had an appointment. The closer we got the where they gave us the shot, the more distraught Joseph became at the prospect of getting poked. He started to cry a little, so I talked to him about being brave and we could go to get him some popsicles after it was all said and done. We finally made it to the registration table and Joseph started to scream and pull away from me and yell no, no, no. Not a pretty sight. It was a tantrum like I have never seen him throw before. I talked to him again and said that he was still getting the shot, but that he was jeopardizing his chances of getting a treat. We made it into the room where they give the shots and then Joseph started to yell and scream and yell at me, all the while pulling away. Not fun. I know every parent in that room was probably irritated with me and my inability to control my tantrum throwing toddler. I was not happy with Joseph and was so upset that he wasn't behaving. I know he doesn't like shots, but this was a little over the top. He got his shot first which meant I needed to put Samuel on the floor and pin Joseph down. After he was done getting his shot, he calmed down a lot. We spoke and I asked why he did it. He thought that if he yelled loud enough, that he wouldn't have to get the shot. Instead, we went home and he sat in time out for a while. We didn't go to the library, he didn't get treats during the day, and he didn't get to watch any TV. All in all, he promised never to act that way again. After an apology and a long day of him entertaining himself with no TV (quite refreshing actually), I told him that we could go to the library. We had a good time and I hope that he learned a lesson. Maybe.