[happimess]

My cat and I have one firm English phrase: "3...2...1". I say that whenever I want him to make up his mind, and at the end I always close the door, pull the sweater from under him, or whatever. He definitely knows what it means, and knows I mean it.

> between "No, I don't understand you." and "I understand you perfectly well, but [nothing in my nature compels me to care]".

This is where he and I are for lots of other stuff, and I also love him for it.

[_carbyau_]

As a parent, this works well with toddlers too. When you start counting they know a storm is coming and they can avoid it if they choose their next answer/action carefully...

[dansiemens]

“No Dad stop counting!” is how my toddler retorts. Works wonders though!

[Perenti]

"I want that done by the time I count to one" terrifies 5-7 year olds.

[rendall]

"I don't want to have to count" I said to my son the other day, whence he scurried

[_carbyau_]

I say this exact thing too. It usually plays out as:

- ask kiddo to do something, get a "no" or "I'm busy."

- I say "I don't want to have to count." Continued resistance 30% of the time.

- If resistance then counting starts. Compliance comes earlier or later in the counting 95% of the time.

If counting finishes then guaranteed tears also has a plan because wife and I have time to see it coming too.

[thekid314]

That is brilliant