A little holiday cheer while grading exams–here’s how (yet another) failed negotiation went in my house this past fall. For context, my son Noah broke his leg on the very first day of school, 10 minutes into the very first soccer practice of the year. Since he couldn’t move much, his friends have been over many days this fall hanging out.

Son: Mom, you know we’ve been making this cool video of trick shots?

Mom: Yes

Son: Can I get up on the roof to make a shot?

Mom: No!!!

Son: Why Not?

Mom: YOU HAVE A BROKEN LEG…

Next Day

Son: Please can I get up on the roof?

Mom: Are you kidding me? YOU HAVE A BROKEN LEG! Are you looking for another one?

Next Day

Son: Can my friends get up on the roof?

Mom: No, I don’t want them getting hurt either!

Son: But Mom!!!

Mom: No. No way, no how.

Next Day

Son: How about if you watch them and make sure they are safe, then can my friends get up on the roof?

Mom: Seriously, if they are going to fall, then I get to watch them fall? This is your best offer?

Next Day

Son: How about if my friends already were on the roof and made the shot?

Mom: Are you kidding me? WHEN DID YOU DO THIS?

Son: Last week, before I started asking you. I knew you’d say no but I wanted your permission before we added it to the video.

Mom: Is everyone safe?

Son: Yes, do you want to see the shot?

Mom: I suppose……..oooh, cool shot!!!

And here is the link to the whole video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P34btWylSeI The (banned) roof shot is the second one. If you watch for Noah, you can see the boot on his broken leg–otherwise, he is the director and editor.

May you all have better success negotiating than me!

Cross posted at Indisputably.