I personally never cared much for the traditional "1...2....3" counting to make a child do something technique. As I have gotten older and started my own family I feel even more strongly about it now. I just feel like some parents who use it threaten but don't follow through, even allowing extensions such as 3 1/2, 3 3/4 with young children who don't even understand fractions. I have made it a point to follow through whenever I say something, so I try to choose that threat carefully. (taking a toy away if it doesn't get picked up, versus a smack or spank) I certainly am not trashing anyone who uses it, it just isn't a method I choose. No one way is perfect for everyone, we are all unique and so are our children.
What I have come up with though, is a fun and more positive twist on the same counting. When I want my son to do something like pick up his toys, I say, "You need to pick up all your toys, let's see if you can do it before I count too..." and he is always quick to shout out a number. So, say we choose 20, I will count to 20 like it is a fun race to see if he can get his toys picked up before I finish. He has a blast racing the clock, I don't feel like I am overpowering him, and if something should happen and he needs a little more time I just count slower instead of using confusing fractions. He has been super responsive to this method and he does whatever I ask him to do with a big smile when I use this technique.
It's all trial and error when you are a parent. Even if you get advice from seasoned vets on the topic, not all advice can be used for everyone. You must try out various parenting methods until you find a match. I am thankful I found a match this time, but I am sure around the corner more trials and errors await.
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