Is this a terrible idea?

[JimmyMcNulty]

Ds1 is 3.1 and extremely contrary (nothing unusual in that I know). But we have found a way to get him to do things pretty much instantly and very cheerfully... Sounds good? Am just not sure if we are doing that 'making a rod for our own backs' thing...

We have discovered that if we very dramatically and fake-horrified say "Whatever you do, don't do X" it immediately gets done (hand-washing, putting shoes on, going to bed, etc). He is not a big eater of green things and yesterday I said "Don't eat your beans because if you do you might get big and tall like Daddy" and he scoffed the lot with a big grin on his face, saying "Do you want me to eat these?" and me saying in shocked tones "No! No! Stop!"

As well as being a monster challenging at times he has a huge sense of humour and definitely knows we are kidding around at these times. However today as I was saying automatically "Don't let me brush your teeth" I started to wonder if we are in fact teaching him to disobey our every word .

I suspect we won't be able to get away with it for long anyway, but just wondered if people think we are being really, really unwise here! I mean, it's not in any of the parenting books...

[CybilLiberty]

No, it's a game that worls for the time being, so make the most of it.

I work with struggling , reluctant 7 year olds and the way I get them to work is to cover my eyes and say 'I bet you can't write that sentence before I open my eyes'. Works every time

[purepurple]

You use whatever works for you at the time.

[drinkyourmilk]

We use that method too with a 4.8yr old. Not every single time, but a fair amount. It works - we have little stress - so why worry i say