My goal for Elliott and as well as for any and all future children is to implement a basic concept of logic as quickly as possible. You don't want to finish your vegetables? Obviously, based on past results, throwing a fit isn't going to achieve your goal. Nor will it get you this delicious cupcake. So let's think about this. What actions could be taken here that would result in you consuming this cupcake? Parenting. It's as simple as that. And honestly, I'd say the bribery principle is also an integral part of a happy marriage as well. "I would like to play golf this weekend and if I do, I'll bring you a surprise on the way home." "Let me watch this football game and I'll clean the entire kitchen." Etc...

Well I'm happy to report that Elliott has responded beautifully to my first attempts at bribery. He has become far more independent recently and quickly becomes bored when being fed. He would much rather have something in front of him to eat which he can then share with the dog. So the other day we were only halfway through our small carton of green beans when Elliott gave me the international sign for "I'm done" which was violent, almost seizure-like head shaking coupled with a scrunched up face while pushing the spoon away. Of course this was immediately followed by him making the "more" sign meaning he was still hungry, just not for green beans.

I promptly got up and brought over a graham cracker. I gave him a piece which he devoured and instantly wanted more. I then held the graham cracker so he could see it and brought the green beans up to his mouth again. He ate a bite. I gave him a bit of cracker. And so on. Until the green beans were finished. And this has worked swimmingly ever since. I think one of my biggest hopes for Elliott was that he would be a child who could be reasoned with. At least most of the time. I'm not completely unrealistic. And I know that, once Elliott hits 13, probably even sooner, all bets are off. Logic and reason go out the door at that point. And graham crackers probably won't solve many problems at that point. Unless of course that problem is being stuck with a surplus of marshmallows and chocolate and having no convenient way to consume them simultaneously without getting your fingers sticky.