At what age do you think they understand this. Just had the bedtime from hell with dd (3).And I'm beginning to wonder if she actually understands the whole "if...then" concept. I was at my wits end tonight and eventually told her that if she said anotehr word after I had counted to 5 I would take 2 chocs out of her advent calendar and throw them away . I was very calm, said it in very simple language, said it twice, asked her if she understood, said goodnight, gave her a kiss, counted slowly to 5. "I don;t want you to take my chocolate" before I'd even got to the door. aaarrrrrgggghhhhh.