When it comes to negotiating with children, it often feels like you’re dealing with seasoned negotiators. If you give in once, you can expect a flurry of demands that may not be worth the hassle. While certain rules—like getting to school on time, completing homework, and finishing chores—are non-negotiable, other areas can be open to discussion.
This became evident when 7-year-old Lily Thompson demonstrated negotiation skills that could rival some adults. Her parents, Jane and Mark Thompson, shared an amusing photo on Reddit featuring a letter Lily penned to request a later bedtime.
For those who might struggle with Lily’s handwriting, her dad kindly provided a translation. To the untrained eye, it seems Lily presented a compelling case. Reddit users quickly rallied behind her clever argument.
Lily’s father shared with us that this letter was just the latest maneuver in her ongoing quest for a later bedtime. “Lily has been pushing for this change for several months. We finally decided to put our foot down when she couldn’t articulate a valid reason for staying up later,” he explained. “After making it clear that any future requests would lead to an earlier bedtime, she clearly strategized a new approach.”
In a professional manner, Lily delivered her negotiation letter in a sealed envelope, letting her parents know she was available for a discussion at their convenience. “That night, she handed over the letter and told us she was open to negotiations anytime,” Mark added. “After deciphering her handwriting, we had a good laugh.”
To gauge her seriousness, Lily’s parents held off on discussing the letter for a few days. “She didn’t mention it once, which we took as a sign of maturity deserving of recognition. We decided to open the floor for negotiations,” Mark said. “Now, she gets to stay up until 8:30 p.m. but only for reading in bed. If she struggles in the mornings since she makes her own lunches, bedtime reverts to 8.”
This isn’t the first instance of Lily showcasing a level of determination that’s uncommon even among adults. “When she was three, we told her that if she refused to eat her veggies, she could go to bed early. She would calmly get ready for bed three hours ahead of schedule and lie there staring at the ceiling until dark, before finally falling asleep. You can’t really be mad at that kind of resolve.”
If this isn’t a sign that the next generation is gearing up to take charge of the world, I don’t know what is.
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In summary, young Lily’s negotiation for a later bedtime not only exemplifies the cleverness of children but also reminds us of the importance of recognizing their efforts. Her parents’ willingness to negotiate based on her mature approach opens the door for further discussions in the future.
Keyphrase: Kids negotiating bedtime
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