whatever!

One thing good about shopping with Rey is that he never says he wants this or that. Simply because he has heard "you don't need this", "it's too expensive, or "We can buy that in Singapore" too many times.

But what do you do if you find yourself fighting with a 3 years old son over trival things like what to buy at the supermarket? I've tried yelling, coercing, and giving in.

Yelling attracts attention and it depends on my energy level on that day and where I am( is someone i know here?). Coercing and persuasion takes up mental energy and time too, with Rey giving in to my nagging at the end. Giving in is simply so easy!! but it means you have lost to a child and that child is going to have his ways from then on. I have gave in (or rather, gave up!) to Rey a few times after fighting over brands of toilet rolls, tissue paper, and even types of ice cream to buy. The conversation is usually this:

I: Rey, can you get the bag of tissue boxes over there? (discounted item)
R: ok...(then Rey comes back hugging a more expensive brand of tissues)
I: No, not this. This is expensive, i want that, you see?
R: but this is better!
I: No, i say that!
R: This!
(and it goes on and on.)
I: okok, whatever! (too tired and too embarrassed already)

Saying "whatever" is so easy! and so addictive. I adopted this 'magic word' from my teenage cousin, Meredith (yes, you!) when I heard her saying that to her naggy mother during their stay in Japan.

ok, back to the story, the same thing happen yesterday, this time was a fight over the type and fragrance of bath powder. You know, Japanese uses a kind of bath powder for dipping in bathtubs, sometimes with onsen effects such as removing backaches, rejuvenating skin, creamy or bright green, forest or roses fragrances. There are so many types of them.
Well, rey wanted a bright orange bath while i wanted some soothing pink bath. In the midst of our usual fight, i turned to see pp in the shop looking at us (partly because we were talking in English). I was so embarrassed and as I turned to Rey, ready to say "whatever", Rey hugged his 'prize' and asked me innocently "mummy, is it "whatever?" !!!!!! I just burst out laughing non stop.....
I was going to say that! He can read my mind! or maybe I always say "whatever" in the end. sigh, whatever lah!