Baby Blues by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott for May 27, 2022

Hammie, the union negotiator…

Can’t Zoe and Hammie just be good examples of older siblings to Wren?

Call it a celebration of Wren not drowning.

Jeez. Whose fault is it that they’ve come to expect rewards?

That’s not blackmail, that’s extortion.

Yeah, that’s it, a ‘friendly arrangement’ sure. It’d be shape if your kids embarrassed you when wasn’t keepin’ an eye on ‘em. A real shame. So a little chocolate would go a long in avoidin’ that. A few extra nuts would just be nice touch.

is, is that a horse head she’s sitting on?

As if she never tried bribery on her children, (Be good and we will get an ice cream afterward. Be good, or you won’t get any gifts this year.) It’s refreshing to see that some good came out of all that being good.

OK, now mom is a seasoned parent. Where is the “mom’s bag” with all the toys, books, crayons, markers, workbooks, coloring books, and gummy worms?

Actually, wouldn’t it be extortion?

Blackmail: do what I say or I expose you.

Extortion: do what I say or bad things happen.

Never reward good behavior on a known basis, but make it an occasional after-the-fact surprise to keep them guessing. Like training a dog with treats.

Mom’s counter-offer: no, but you can count on whuppin’s and/or groundin’s if you dont!

First swimming lessons? Sp she was never a Little Pool Warmer? And that was just a dream?

My grandmother always drove us to swimming lessons, with a stop at the Dairy Queen on the way home. Great memories.

A 1/2 day in your room with no screen time is the alternative.

Better adjust that to “Can I trust you not to accidentally drown yourselves while I’m away?”

Wren :)

Quid pro quo: a time-honored tradition, especially where children are concerned.

Way to negotiate Hammie.

“No ice cream. You’re not allowed to eat for an hour after swimming.”

“Wait a minute…”

Haha! XD

What kinda protection racket nonsense is this??

You can count on a huge punishment if you don’t behave.