creative (aka sneaky, desperate)

jack has already decided that love and affection from his parents is uncool.  it usually manifests itself as a wiping off of bedtime kisses but has become a rejection of all things hugs too.  of course we still give them but he still rejects them... and, of course, while still desperately needing them!  so we're left using creative (aka sneaky, desperate) means to give affection.  this morning, I was successful when I snuck into his room right as I knew he'd wake up and laid there waiting for him to wake up.  we chatted and cuddled before his manly defenses were up.  and he was singing all the way to school!  his father was successful getting affection by creating (what's always worked for jack) a paradoxical intervention.  and we've found competitions for who is the best at giving kisses also works- mom even got a kiss on the lips with that sneaky trick.  luckily, our creative devices have given him the affection he needs again! 

... just another of those times I scratch my head at parenthood- never imagining the amount of creativity (aka sneakiness, desperation) needed to successfully meet your child's needs!