The Art of Negotiation

Locke has developed a very useful new skill. He and Lola were enjoying an afternoon treat of animal crackers. I gave them each a very generous half dozen. After Locke polished off his six cookies, he said, "Mom, may I have five more animal crackers? (Five is his favorite number.)

"You've already had six," I said. I'll give you three more."

"Hmmm." He thought about that for a minute and then countered with, "May I have four more? Four is close to three."

Wow. I guess I'd better brush up on my business and economics to make sure I keep the upper hand. Or maybe I'll just watch more politics.