Me: "Ok, it's 5:00, everyone go clean your rooms!"

*"yes ma'ams" from all 3 kids*

10 minutes later. I find Simon on the couch, panting. As if he had been working so hard. 

Me: Simon, is your room clean? why are you sitting on the couch?

Simon: Oh, I just told Cate to clean my room and I would give her my candy.

Me: You don't have any candy, Simon.

Simon: Shhhhh!!!

Cate(from Simon's room): WHAT!?!?!

Me: Simon, I am really disappointed in you for tricking your sister. That was ugly. 

Simon: It worked!

Me: what were you going to do when she finished cleaning your room and you didn't have any candy to give her?

Simon: Ummm...apologize?

Fast forward 5 minutes. 

Simon(in his room, cleaning, not happy about it): Fine! Be mean to me mama! You are so mean to me...all the time!

Cate(on the couch, feet propped up, eating a popsicle) : Now this is more like it. 

Liam: Do I still need to clean my room?

Me: Nope, here is a popsicle. 

Simon: Mama, you are so MEAN TO ME!!! UUUGGGHHH!!!!! *slams toys in his toy chest while grumbling*