The Negotiator

I don't know if it's the fact that he's now three or if he's always had it in him, but Vincent has become quite the persuasive speaker. There are tons of good examples but I'll elaborate with a transcript of a conversation he and I had recently.

Jim: "Vincent - we have to go to the mall to buy Mom-Mom a birthday present. Are you ready?"

Vincent: "Yeah. Then we'll get some Disney guys."

J: "Uh... I don't think so today, buddy."

V: (getting upset) "But I want tooooo!"

J: "I know you do buddy but you just had a birthday and you've got plenty of Disney guys already."

V: "But I liiike theehhmm!"

J: "So do I but we have to get Mom-Mom a present today."

V: (taking charge, as if planning the trip instead of just asking allows for the acquistion of Disney guys) "First - we'll....go get Mom-Mom a present. Then we'll go to the Disney store, look at the new guys they have there and....buy some....aaaaaand bring them home."

J: "Vincent. We're not going to get any today..."

V: (interrupting with actual whining) "Daaadeee. Iwanttooo. Iliiiikethemmm. (laying head down on the couch)"

J: "You just had a birthday, buddy (trying this tactic again). Maybe we can ask Santa for them."

About 2 minutes pass while Vincent plays with stickers and I read a bit. I'm weakening slowly because he wasn't really whiny during the exchange until the very end. On top of that, Rose took Peter with her overnight to a family baby shower in New Jersey, so this is Super Fun Daddy & Vincent Time. Part of me feels I have to get him something special to commemorate - as silly as that sounds. But I'm really paranoid about spoiling him so it's an internal struggle.

J: "Okay buddy. Let's get our coats on."

V: "......so we can go get some Disney guys."

J: "C'mere buddy. C'mere for a second."

V: (obliging) "Whut?"

J: (opening the figurative door) "Why should we buy you some Disney guys today?"

V: (thinking slowly) "Because. I'm a good boy."

J: (realizing he's just been beaten not only by his three year old son but by his own inner conflict) "Okay. We can get some Disney guys."

Kids: 346, Parents: 0