August 2, 2009

Parenting Tip #1: Bribery

I've abstained from giving advice or tips or tricks thus far on this blog as far as parenting goes, which when consulting my better half has probably been a very good idea. But as we begin to venture into Toddlerland I almost feel like I might just have something (maybe) just a little important to add to the conversation (perhaps). Maybe. And by that I in no way mean to be suggesting that I should be providing parenting advice to anyone, or that anyone should/might need it, just that I might have some advice and might have a forum to share it... so here it is.

Tip #1: Bribe often, frequently, and without hesitation

Mom: Have more pasta Ash
Ash: NO!
Mom: Ash, please have more pasta
Ash: NO!
Mom: Ash, do you want to play with your horsies?
Ash: Hmmm...
Mom: Ash, one more bite...
Ash: Chomp.

Mom: Have one more berry Ash
Ash: NO!
Mom: Ash, please have one more berry
Ash: NO!
Mom: Ash, Do you want to watch more Woody? (Toy Story)
Ash: Hmmm...
Mom: Ash, one more bite...
Ash: Chomp.

It's almost too easy.

Great parenting might not be evident to the faint of heart, but it's sure real to the hearts lucky enough to fainted by its reality.

2 comments:

Jill said...

I am a true believer in bribery, I mean motivation! I call it motivation. And with the right motivation, cooperation comes quickly. I use going places as motivation...I'll even make up things. If planning an impromptu trip to Grandma's will stop an all-day monster attack, then so be it. The words "if you don't start listening and stop being mean, you will NOT get to go to Grandma's." There is an instant change and "I go to Grandma's, I be good." Also works with birthday parties that are weeks in advance, trips to Wal-Mart that she actually hates but sound good until she gets there, and of course Barney. If you grab the remote to turn off beloved Barney, you can almost hear Mari snap to attention.

Keep up the "motivation," it's a good survival technique!

Decade 4.0 said...

Ah, "motivation!" I like that. I use "incentive."

Semantics, I know, but it works!!

:)