My wife has discovered a new method of bringing the kids into line. It’s from a book called “1 2 3 Magic” and it’s a variation on the old “you better be good before I count to 3″ schtick. Part of the routine, apparently, is that you don’t tell the kids why they’re in trouble. I haven’t read the book yet, so I can’t comment on it, but that one aspect is a major break from what we’ve always done. My position has been that part of the punishment for getting in trouble was being forced to listen to your parents tell you why you’re in trouble.

The other day, as we were eating lunch, I asked my youngest what had happened. His mom had filled me in earlier (in private), but I was curious as to his take on things.

“I had to go to my room,” he said, giving me his sad face.

“Why?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Cause Momma counted to three.”

My wife rolled her eyes.

“Oh yeah?” I asked. “When she counts to three, you get in trouble.”

“Yeah,” he smiled, his brown eyes sparkling. “She gets mad, then counts to three, then we have to go sit by ourselves for a while.”

“You,” his mom spluttered. “You-”

He burst out laughing.

I’m gonna have to read that book.