Master Negotiators

I sometimes give the kids dares or challenges for money; like recently daring Hudson to eat Octopus for $15. Which she did and ended up liking it (or at least not hating it).



My ultimate backfire was when I dared each of the kids to $20 if their drenched themselves in the waterfall in coyote gulch canyon. They all gladly took me up on it.



Outside of that, there is another similar strategy that is emerging as a regular practice; Negotiating.

And Hudson and Gideon are turning out to be the best negotiators of the family. When I want the kids to do things; practice their instruments, dress up for a performance, tuck their shirt in for church, whatever... Tate generally does what I ask. Harper and Reece just sort of disappear into the woodwork. But where others see resistance, Hudson and Gideon see opportunity. They immediately being negotiating. "If I do it, can I have a sleepover at Summer's house?", "Will you pay me $5?", etc...

Although sometimes annoying, their enterprising is pretty admirable. Here is Gideon going to get ice cream because he wore a vest to his piano recital.



And Hudson is currently in the running for Lagoon season pass if she can run a 7 minute mile.