Negotiating with children can often feel like engaging with seasoned negotiators. Once you give in to one request, you may find yourself facing a slew of demands that are simply non-negotiable. However, there are instances where some discussions can lead to surprising outcomes, as demonstrated by 7-year-old Ava Johnson, whose recent bedtime proposal has left her parents both amused and impressed.
Ava’s parents, Mike and Sarah Johnson, shared a snapshot of a comically crafted letter on social media, showcasing their daughter’s attempt to negotiate a later bedtime. For those who might struggle with Ava’s penmanship, her dad graciously provided a translation of the key points. The online community quickly rallied behind Ava’s persuasive approach, recognizing her impressive argumentation skills.
Mike explained to Modern Family Blog that this was merely the latest chapter in a drawn-out negotiation saga. “Ava has been lobbying for a later bedtime for several months. We finally decided to end the discussion when she couldn’t articulate a solid reason for the change,” he recounted. “After we put our foot down, she clearly devised a clever workaround.”
In a theatrical twist, Ava presented her negotiation letter in a sealed envelope, informing her parents that she was ready to discuss its contents at their convenience. Mike added, “We both read the letter, and after deciphering her handwriting, we couldn’t help but chuckle for a few minutes.”
Initially, the Johnsons decided to keep the matter under wraps for a few days, allowing Ava to show her cleverness and assertiveness without prompting. “We felt her ingenuity should be rewarded, so we opened the door to negotiations,” Mike explained. Now, Ava has the privilege of staying up until 8:30 p.m., but there’s a catch: her extra time is strictly for reading in bed, and it’s a conditional arrangement. If she struggles to get ready for school in the mornings, that bedtime will revert to 8 p.m.
This isn’t the first time Ava has demonstrated a level of determination beyond her years. Mike recalled a previous instance from when she was just 3 years old. “We told her if she didn’t eat her vegetables, she could skip dinner and go to bed early. She calmly changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth, and lay in bed for hours until it grew dark, at which point she finally fell asleep. It’s hard to be upset with such conviction.”
This story serves as a testament to the resourcefulness of children, hinting at their potential to take on the world when they grow up. If you’re interested in similar parenting stories or strategies, check out more at our blog, where we also explore topics like home insemination and fertility journeys, such as those discussed in this article. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
Summary
In a humorous twist on bedtime negotiations, 7-year-old Ava Johnson has proven that kids can be quite persuasive. Her parents, Mike and Sarah, shared her letter proposing a later bedtime, which they ultimately agreed to under specific conditions. This story highlights the cleverness and determination children can display, leaving parents both entertained and impressed.