The Master Negotiator
March 18, 2007 – 3:44 amHostage Negotiator or Politician
I may not like it, but I’m resigned to the fact that one of these careers is in CJ’s future. This 3-year old is a MASTER of negotiation.
Take tonight, over dinner (we went out).
Me: CJ, if you stop yelling and are a good boy for the rest of dinner, you can have a chocolate.
(Yes, I’ve resorted to bribery)CJ: Five of them?
Smart… start the negotiation high, to give yourself room to meet in the middle.Me: Mmmm… maybe two of them, if you’re REALLY really good.
CJ: NO! FOUR of them!
I am NOT making this up.Me: I said two. Now stop arguing and eat your dinner.
CJ: THREE!!! (holds up three fingers in my face to emphasize his point) I want three of them!
Isn’t this one of the rules of negotiation… to wear down your opponent?Me: No. I think one is plenty. And it’ll be zero if you keep this up.
CJ: FIVE OF THEM!
Me: Fine, you’re not having any.
CJ: I DON’T WANT CHOCOLATE! I WANT GUM!!
This is another negotiation tactic… give yourself leverage by pretending you aren’t very interested in the item being discussed.Me: (trying to get him to stop yelling; the restaurant is busy and people are starting to look) CJ, stop yelling this minute.
CJ: (turns to his dad) Daddy, I want 5 chocolates.
When all else fails, start working on the weaker party
No wonder I’m so tired in the evening.
I guess the good news is that we are looking to buy a used car, and I know JUST the person to send in when it’s time to negotiate on price!
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By www.nolanotes.com on Mar 18, 2007 | Reply
That is hysterical! But don’t rule out lawyer or salesman as a profession, too. They are good at getting a “yes” from an adverse party as well! Good luck.
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By Ang on Mar 18, 2007 | Reply
Oh my! I laughed so hard, but I think I have this in my future too, so I guess I should be nice! Good luck!
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By Liz on Mar 26, 2007 | Reply
This is great. As the mom of two kids, my husband and I no longer refer to this as “bribery” (which has such a negative connotation), but prefer the term “positive reinforcement”… even if it’s for chocolates or bubblegum.
Visiting from COFL.
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By MyBestInvest on Mar 26, 2007 | Reply
There must be some kind of academy where they learn this stuff. Or its subliminally programmed into Blues Clues. We’ve had these same types of conversations with Daughter!
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By kailani on Mar 26, 2007 | Reply
I got exhausted just reading about your conversation. LOL! I wouldn’t want to debate with him!
Here from the Carnival of Family Life
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By Kerri on Mar 26, 2007 | Reply
Ah…yes…somedays I think we only get through it via brib….er…positive reinforcment. :)
Here via CoFL
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By Lisa on Mar 27, 2007 | Reply
Ah negotiations with a 3 year old. I negotiate for a living and I still can’t beat a 3 year old when it comes to negotiating. They sure do know all the tricks.
Here via the carnival of family life.
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