I needed my 2.5 yr old daughter to pick up her toys.
She ignored me so I said “I only read stories to girls who pick up their toys.”
She still didn’t do it and got distracted putting on dress up gloves.
I thought I’d give her another opportunity and said “I have pumpkin bread for kids who pick up their toys,” and she still didn’t pick up toys.
So I was really really sad for her when the rest of the family sat down for our pumpkin bread without her. She was crying and I held her empathetically. When it came time to get her ready for bed, we kept our regular routine, I gave her a back rub and cuddled, but no stories.
The next morning she woke up and said “I’ll pick up my toys, mommy.”
Following through with a consequence and letting our beloved children be uncomfortable is painful for us parents, but it is worth it in the long run as we raise kids who are responsible.