The Great Negotiator

My Darling Son eagerly wanted to demonstrate all he could do with a new toddler-fist-sized ball he got as a party favor.

"Look, Mommy!" he yelled as he hurled it across the room.

The disciplinarian in me kicked in, but I tried a gentle approach.

"Honey, we really shouldn't throw balls like that."

"Why?"

"Because the ball might break something." I pointed to all the breakables on shelves that could be vulnerable.

"Mommy, I throw it down." He pointed to the carpet and its lack of breakables.

"That work." The boy tilted his head. "OK?"

I had to admit he found a decent compromise.

"Fine but don't break anything."