Me: Ashton, we are going to have dinner at my boss's house, so I need you to be good.
Ashton: OK
Me: I'm serious, Ashton. If you throw a tantrum, we may need to ground you for life.
Ashton sits up suddenly.
Ashton (in a very serious voice): For life?
Me: Well, probably not for life, but maybe for a week or two. Does that sound OK?
Ashton: Good.
Aukai: But Ashton, the better thing would be to not throw any tantrum, then you don't have to be grounded.
Ashton: OK
Me: And Ashton, what should your punishment be if you throw a tantrum like the one you threw in Target the other day?
Ashton: Grounding for life? (If there is any question, this would really be a fair punishment.)
Me: Well, maybe not for life. Maybe just until college. Does that sound good?
Ashton: Yeah.
A few minutes later:
Ashton: Isaac, you need to get ready because we are going to one of Mommy's MASTERS' house for dinner.
