Congress Should Consult My Boys

Here's what happened.  The 13 year old came home from wrestling practice very excited about learning a new move. Very excited.  He got it. He finally understood what to do.  He couldn't wait to practice with someone. He first asked his older brother," no can't, too much homework."  Next went to the younger brother, "no can't, I am getting a haircut"... then went to the youngest brother..., "no can't, I have to practice my Christmas songs".. then even asked his dad, "you can see I am giving a hair cut."  He was discouraged but  determined and so repeated the cycle, still hearing only No's.  After supper me and my husband were wiping off the table and enjoying a glass of wine and we look in the other room and see the two boys wrestling.  Good for him we thought, he somehow talked somebody into wrestling!  They rolled around a long time, until it was time for bed.  Then the 13 year old wrestling kid said, "Wait. I first have to pack HIS lunch."  Pretty remarkable he was packing his brothers lunch (the least favorite and most put off chore). This is negotiation at it's finest!  Nobody compromised. Both boys got something they wanted. Both kids were happy.  Win-win for both.....maybe simple arrangements are the best...and again persistence and motivation  proving their value!