My young negotiator
Before I became a Mom, I never knew I have to handle negotiation with children as young as 2+. Now, I am facing nego situation, almost daily with Zoe…
Sometimes, when the negotiation fails, it drives me up the wall and at the same time, I get a very irritated and unsettled toddler whining and looking at me. As if, I owed her the world I promised but never deliver 
Nego 1
While I was bathing her in the evening after dinner…
Zoe: (while I was applying soap at her hand and wrist area) Ben-10 watch! ….Mommy, WH got Ben-10 watch! Where is Mickey Mouse watch? ….Spoilt already…Ah Ma buy one…spoilt…I want Ben-10 watch! (with a very sad look)
Me: Yea, your Mickey Mouse watch spoilt already, but Ben-10 watch’s for boys! WH is a boy…
Zoe: Hmm…for boy…I want watch….eeeehhh
Me: (trying to avoid further crying)…ermm…princess watch nicer!?
Zoe: Ok, I want princess watch…Mommy buy princess watch (repeat many times till I finish bathing for her)
Me: (After dressing her up) Ask your Daddy to buy princess watch for you…ok?
Zoe: (running to the living where Daddy is happily sitting there watching TV and still at work replying mails)…DADDY! Mommy buy princess watch for me ok?
Me: Sigh….
Nego 2
Me: (rushing) Zoe, faster wear your shoe, we are going already!
Zoe: (dilly dally cooking up something in the little mind)…later, Mommy buy sweet for Zoe ok?
Me: Wear Your Shoe! Mommy is late already….
Zoe: (look dead serious) Mommy buy sweet for Zoe, ok?
Me: (desperate)…okok…later Mommy buy, Zoe wear your shoe now!
Zoe: (happily sat down and wear her shoe with a smile on the face…)
Nego 3
Me: Zoe…eat your rice…(for the uptenth time)
Zoe: (looking disinterested) err….err…..I want mushroom….noodles….
Me: today we eat rice ok!? Mommy cooked soup with carrots, eggs and veges…you see, it is nice…
Zoe: ….later Mommy cook noodles with mushroom ..k?
Me: sigh….tomorrow Mommy cook noodles with mushroom lor….sigh sigh sigh….(loosing battle liao)
Zoe: (took another spoon of rice and went on to play her toys)….
I never knew I was such a weak negotiator. I gave in most of the time. Do you think so?
Parents out there who happen to drop by, how do you deal with this? Do you gave in?
Any tips and tricks 
Let's see what the rest say! I don't need to negotiate as of now...still at the threatening stage!
Comment by Ann — June 19, 2009 @ 4:11 am
For some reason, using normal logical reasoning works for Cynthia most of the time, even though sometimes she may not understand all of what I am saying.
If all else fails, I usually use tough love technique - I just ignore her and carry on.
The other thing to bear in mind - it is important for both mommy and daddy to be consistent, as even at this young age they know how to manipulate....
Comment by Pat — June 19, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Ann - Yup, I really would like to hear from other parents too
Pat - Hmm, I almost forgotten about the 'tough love' concept till you reminded me. Most times, she prefers to request stuffs from me than her Daddy. I think I probably gave in more and she is much closer to me. Gotta practice tough love more...
Comment by ponytales — June 22, 2009 @ 4:01 am
actually since i am a patient person i will continue to negotiate with her, but sometimes sad also when see she did not get what she wants and start to cry.
anyway, i try to make the nest out of it by asking her to give hug first or say please first before i give in
oh ya, i bought a rotan recently to increase my 'negotiation' power
Comment by duckie — June 22, 2009 @ 4:21 am