Scaring the Poop out of Sam (literally)

Since Christmas is coming we are definitely using the Santa Behavior Modification technique. Any undesirable behavior is followed with a "I'm calling Santa." This technique truly worked with the many preschoolers I have taught over the years. It can backfire though, here's how:

Matt was keeping Sam entertained after a breathing treatment. Albuterol really sends a kid into a tail spin! Since she is potty trained she said she needed to go poop. After several rounds of
MATT: Sam are you done yet
SAM: NO!
and a couple of
MATT: Hurry up and finish
SAM: It not workin'
Matt finally hit the breaking point.
MATT: Are you REALLY pooping?
SAM: Yes
MATT: If you are lying SANTA IS NOT COMING
Well, about 10 minutes after the final exchange Sam was still on the potty. Matt, having figured out that Sam took the conversation as Santa is not coming unless she poops, called in reinforcements (ME). I had to talk my 2 year old off the proverbial ledge! She was convinced and it took a few minutes to get her to understand that if she did not poop Santa would still come, but when she tells a lie Santa doesn't come. She quickly got down and apologized to her Daddy.
We have now decided that Santa is a good tool, but, maybe not when it comes to potty time.

She did get to see Santa last night and was petrified! Once he left she wanted to see him again and was mad that he wasn't there.

Sunday, we were talking about Santa before the party and she started naming people who Santa was coming to see. She named all the cousins on my side, then it hit, the big one I had been trying to avoid, MIKAELA! How do you explain to a 2 year old why her jewish cousin doesn't get presents from Santa? I couldn't say because Mikaela is Jewish, and knew Mikaela hadn't been so bad that it would justify no Santa. Finally I came up with "Well, her mommy and daddy don't believe in Santa, so he doesn't go to their house." Then she just said "okay, and Santa comes to see Sami, and Cole, and Christen, and ......" naming all of her school friends. Now we just have to keep this in mind for next year.