Mottos

Cayen told me to stop at this monkey figurine at the store as he wanted to take a picture. I flatly refused because he had been disobedient. Instead of walking properly, he kept sliding to the ground and kneeling there with every few steps. 

I told him sternly, “remember the motto? You don't listen to me, I don't listen to you. " 

He looked quite amused and said laughingly, " what motor? Motor psycho (he meant cycle). Is it motor psycho?" 

As usual, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. 

But actually I like to devise mottos as they are easier for him to remember and reinforce concepts. For instance, I have this other motto/question.., 

"Do you want 10 times yes, 1 time no? Or 10 times no 1 time yes?" He would always looked pained and says "10 times yes and 1 time no" because it means he can't do what he want to do. 

Before using this motto, I always emphasize that I am saying yes (since it's so hard to find occasions when it happens) to give him the perception that I am usually very agreeable.  I explained to him that I always say yes to him except when it's wrong or dangerous. Then, when I say no, I find that it's easier for him to accept that I'm saying no and he will stop insisting. 

Thereafter,  whenever he's about to do something naughty or something dangerous , I will repeat my motto. I find that it works quite well.  

Another one I have to always use to discourage him from snatching things from other people or opening the fridge door himself is , "if you say 'may I have' , you may get it. If you e e e (make that tantrum sound), you don't get it" 

The trick of using motto is to keep the nagging consistent .. So they will know it.  So get creative.