The Art of Negotiation

JR:  Mommy, may I have some [sidewalk] chalk please?
Me:  No, you may not.
JR:  Why?
Me:  You've made bad choices.  You hit your sister over her head with a Lightning McQueen chair and you hit your brother over his head with your sippy cup.
JR:  I'll be good.
Me:  No.
JR:  Mommy, Alex has been good.
Me:  Yes, he has.
JR:  Mommy, may Alex have some chalk please?
Me:  No, because you will beat him up and steal his chalk.
JR:  But Mommy, I wanted Alex's chalk!  [JR groans and stomps off.]