“The Power of Marketing Compels You!”

I’m writing this lightly, as I tend to do with most posts, but deep down I think we all know how serious this subject can become. Anyone with children over the age of about two will be able to tell you the power advertising starts to have. Television ads, once only admired for their colours now take on a deeper significance. Once Keira hears a McDonalds one, for example, she will come running from the other end of the house to see what new toy they have to accompany their Happy Meals. Part of the crime here, for me, is that I know from working there that these toys may cost us about 60 cents, but only probably cost five cents in truth. Some kids grab at whatever product or character which most appeals to their personality. Now for Keira, it’s the Disney Princesses. After a few deep breaths, I can deal with this, especially now Adam and I have discovered a covert strategy for helping us deal with the times Keira becomes difficult. For example, Supernanny over here advertises for Continental. If Keira doesn’t like what we’ve served her up for dinner, we just say, ‘Oh, but its Supernanny Rice!’ or ‘Supernanny Soup’ and decides that that’s OK and she yums it down. I wonder sometimes about the lack of honesty we’ve resorted too—because generally she’s an excellent eater—but an empty-plate usually trumps all other considerations: especially when it’s the end of the day, and we’re all tired and just waiting for bedtime to roll around. How do you coerce your kids to do as they’re told? More importantly, do you ever feel guilty that you have to?