My Children. My Opinions. My Tales.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

The power of an M and M

Who knew that a tiny candy coated piece of chocolate could be used to bribe a two-year old? I have two stories...about the power of the M and M...

At my daughter's "Harvest Parade" (Not to offend those who don't celebrate Halloween) it was pretty hard to get my 2 year-old to sit, let alone 12 before the parade. So, I came armed with a snack size pack of M and M's.

Before I was a parent, I laughed and blew-off any notion that I would ever use anything, let alone candy, to bribe my children...But now I have a 2 year-old. Times change. I have pictures that need taken, memories to be preserved...and by golly...if an M and M works, it works!

So, before the kids began trekking through their parade, I coerced them to get my pictures...all for the price of 2 M and M's...not bad.

But sometimes an M and M can back-fire...

We have been in the process of potty-training our daughter for approximately 4 months. We started with a sticker reward chart, it worked one week. Then we tried the oh-so-crunchy-and-sweet M and M, and well, it kind of worked. The rules were: she would get an M and M for sitting on the potty, two for pee pee, three for poo poo.

Excited, Jelly bean went to the potty, and sat but no pee pee....5 mins. later, still no pee pee, 10 mins later no pee pee. I told her if she didn't have to go, it was ok, we could try again later, "No, mommy listen, I pee pee." 15 mins. later, still no pee pee. After about 30mins. on the potty (red ring on her bottom) and still no pee pee, I convinced her off the potty. And she got 1 M and M. After she savored it for a minute..."Mommy I go pee pee (pause) I get nutter M and M." "Yes later." I replied. "No mommy, I go now, I want nutter M and M now."

So, I guess it can work sometimes and sometimes not.

12 comments:

Heather said...

I think she's got it all figured out. Thanks for the funny story. We use chocolate a different way at my house. My son is trying to stop sucking his thumb. He hates chocolate, so whenever I see him sucking his thumb I tell him I'm going to dip it in chocolate. He pulls his thumb out of his mouth and laughs.

Anonymous said...

M and Ms are powerful indeed.

I've tried similar potty training methods with my youngest but nothing holds power for long enough. He's just too stubborn.

Unknown said...

Oh, I've tried M&M's, jelly beans, and every bribe known to man with my six...nothing worked until they decided to do it. I really hope you have better luck!!

Carey said...

Heather, that is interesting! But much better than pepper sauce!

Sleeping mommy and devin, I think it eventually losing its power...you are probably right, they go potty when they want to. But in the time being... lol :)

Unknown said...

I posted about M&M's today too. If I were you, I'd keep using them if for no other reason than to snack on them while she decides what she wants to do!

Carey said...

Yes, maybe some popcorn and m&ms...mmmm.

Unknown said...

LOL!!

Sheri said...

Oh man LOL! I was going to use the M & M method too. I think we will only give them when she does her business though LOL! I think she would be like that too if we gave them for sitting .

Kellan said...

So cute, these M&M stories - and I'm all for bribery with M&M's!! Take care.

Carey said...

I just want to know who is going to bribe me with m&ms!? LOL! mmmm chocolate!

Jill said...

The whole peepee & poop for M&Ms thing backfired on me too, but I'll tell you what - my son used to clean his entire room for a chocolate chip!

Carey said...

NICE!