VOX POPS: Do you fake phone someone when your child is naughty?

“I pretend to phone her school teacher. Emma seems to respect everyone’s authority except her parents. When she won’t get ready for school, I pick up my mobile and have a conversation. It seems to do the trick.”

Katie Mead with three year old Emma
Bedminster

“Father Christmas is a good one this time of year. Whatever Cassie has asked for the most, I phone him up and tell him she is being so naughty he ought to take it off the list. Works every time.”

Abbie Watts with four year old Cassie
Fishponds

“The police. If it’s really bad behaviour I phone the police and explain what is going on. Jack then worries that if he doesn’t behave, they will come around and have words. I’m not sure it it is mean but sometimes you have to be tough with them for their own good.”

Donna Kaye with four year old Timothy
Redfield

“I don’t fake phone someone, but if someone phones me whilst he is having a tantrum I do pretend it’s the naughty police who have heard about what’s going on. It works sometimes, not if he is having a super size temper though.”

Dawn Henry with three year old Jake
Southville