This morning, my son Brian, (2 and a half years old), wanted pink pops in his bowl. But the box was finished and he was really upset and started crying. I used the skills of giving fantasy and said, "You really want pink pops for breakfast today, hey?"

He nodded.

"I am sorry Brian the pink pops are finished but imagine 6 boxes of pink pops coming down from the sky and lots of pink pops pouring down into your bowl. That would be really great, hey?" The crying was history and his eyes were lighting up with excitement.

 "Yes!”

I carried on with questions as to what it would be like for him, “And if  lots of different cereals could pour down, which ones would you choose?"

"Pink pops... and Special K... and Pronutro, and Cheerio’s".

The pink pops drama had swiftly come to an end.