Ham Fried Rice

My 5 year-old had to get his kindergarten immunizations today, in anticipation for that glorious day in August when he starts school. I dosed him with tylenol, told him it would be fast and hurt, but only for a bit, and took him in. It was a horrible experience and I won’t go into the details, but four shots to the thighs and several sad screams and heartbreaking cries later, I offered to buy him a new game for his Wii.

The sweet old man assisting us at Wal-mart laughed when I mentioned this was a bribe for school shots. He said, “You know, my son did the same thing for his kids.” Then I sighed and said, “You know, when I was young (and remember, I’m only 32,) I remember you got your shots and that’s that. Maybe you got a lollipop. But that was it. No big deal.” He laughed and said, “That’s right! Things certainly have changed. (He looked to be in his 70s.)

So, fifty bucks later, I walk out thinking, I have contributed to the demise of this generation by spoiling my child. Hopefully the times I say “no” and the times I teach principles will stick with him and he won’t grow up feeling “entitled.” Today was a loss on that scorecard. But only time will tell.