Do you want a pony or not?

is my new favorite line of discipline.   After a trip to the heartland & a pony ride experience, like all little girls, Big E fell in love with horses.  She also fell in love with the word, “no” & the phrase, “you get outta here”.   I’ve stumbled upon pure parenting GOLD since this pony ride.

If you think your child isn’t “listening” or didn’t understand, find something they want.  REALLY BAD.  Nothing had previously worked to take away something from Big E.  She always says, “I don’t care” or “I need a time out.”

HOWEVER, the promise of a pony & potentially taking it away has all the power of Grayskull. (He-Man reference for you non- 80s mommies)

I think I can milk it for 3 more years, about the time when it’s suitable to actually be able to have pony.  Here’s an example of how this works:

Me: Did you hear me?  I SAID, get up & put your shoes on, it’s time for school. We’re going to be late.

Big E: MOMMA CALLED THE DR. AND THE DR. SAID….NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED.

Me: E, I asked you to please go & get your shoes.  If you want a pony you need to be a good listener.  Only good listeners who can follow instructions are responsible enough to have a pony.  What did I just ask you?

Big E: Please for me to go & get my shoes.  I getting them.  I put them on. We go school now, not be late.

Problem solved…until she’s 6 & mommy wants a pony too.  We’ll cross that bridge later.