Bribery, a Wonderful Parenting Tool

I had to do it. I had to go out an get groceries and there was no way I could wait until James was home. Panic and fear set in but then I decided to overcome and control my destiny. I pulled out the suckers and I bribed my children. I promised suckers and a trip to the train station if they behaved.
We headed out to Shop Rite. I hoped to plop them in a regular shopping cart before they noticed the fancy, difficult to steer but oh so kid enticing carts. No luck. They spotted them and immediately wanted to ride in them. Fine, I can do this. I had a heart to heart and basically told them that if they so much as stuck a finger out of the cart I would transfer them to the regular cart. Also, no sitting/pushing/licking/biting/whatever else they could possibly do to each other. Big doe eyes looked back and said, "Yes Mommy". I so don't believe that look, they totally know how to play the game.
We headed into the store and I was quietly cheering that the cart actually had functioning wheels, what a treat! The boys lasted about 2 aisles and then remembered that they wanted suckers. No problem. I pulled them out and distributed them. Nice big Jolly Rancher suckers, should last quite a while. I had my list ready and I completed my shopping as quickly as possible. I doled out several wipes but there were no major problems. I was filled with relief as the suckers lasted until the last aisle (talk about good timing). I headed to the check out and piled the groceries on the belt. They were still behaving but it was obvious that their patience was running out. They both started to lean on each other but a reminder of the best treat that was yet to come quickly put them both back in their proper places. I got out of the store with my sanity still in tact and two children without mild concussions from cart mishaps (refer to previous post). Thank God for big favours!!!!
A quick stop at Starbucks and we headed to the train station. Jameson had a small meltdown when he realized that his train whistles were at home. An overlook on my part, I'll remember next time. I told him that if he had two choices; he could continue crying and we could head directly home or he could stop crying and we would go to the train station. An obvious choice, even for a 3 year old. So glad he chose to stop crying since this also involved Stellan.
We arrived at the train station and ended up waiting 30 minutes for a train. I had the time and they deserved the treat so we gladly waited. Besides, I had Starbucks to keep me company. :)
There were four trains that all arrived within 5 minutes of each other. The boys were so excited and appeased enough for us to head home. How wonderful that they love the trains so much. I don't know what I'm going to do for treats/bribes when they outgrow the fascination of the trains. Let's hope it lasts at least 2 more years. :)
When we got home I praised them and even called daddy to loudly sing their praises. Hopefully the intrinsic rewards of good behaviour will one day outweigh the extrinsic rewards that I have to offer to maintain my sanity. It's just a matter of survival right now.