Monday, September 19, 2011

How to Get a 4 Year Old to Really Smile for a Photograph

Yep, Linus is happy about having a baby sister, but that's not why he's smiling in those gender reveal photos.

Nope.

He's smiling because we did the one thing we knew for sure would coax a real smile out of him.

No, not the smile he gives when you tell him to "Smile!"


The "smile." Terrible, isn't it?


Did we feed him? Doughnuts are always good. Bribe him? Monster trucks, Matchbox cars, oh my?

Nope. It was easier than that. We just ask him to say "Stinky cat bottom," and the smiles and giggles began to flow.


Sharing the joke with little sis. "Hey baby, stinky cat bottoms! Ha ha ha! That's funny!"


Ah, four year olds -- where anything referencing poop or behinds is sure to get a laugh.


(*Please note that we reserve this tactic for only the most extreme situations. Generally we discourage most potty humor as it can get really, really annoying really, really quickly.)


7 comments:

Jana Banana said...

Just wanted to say Congratulations! And, hoping you're feeling well!

Cute story about your Linus--we'll have to keep that photo-trick in mind when ours reaches 4.

Take care!

Andrea said...

I love it! Our trick is to ask, What does a giraffe say? Apparently, they smile a lot.

Kelly Jernigan said...

Sounds like he & Wyatt are long lost brothers then. The next play date they have might have to just be contained to the bathroom, as our rule is that's the only place where "potty talk" can occur :)

@sweetbabboo said...

@Kelly, It's our rule too. When he starts on with the potty humor, our response is always, "Do you need to go the bathroom?" which as you probably know is an insult to a long potty-trained 4 year old. L HATES to be told when to go to the bathroom.

-Abby

Anonymous said...

You are a genius!

Convertible Girl said...

Parenting brilliance. Am totally using that one on my kids next time.

pyjammy pam said...

old post, i know, but when i saw your username on ohdeedoh, i knew you must have a linus too! :D