Mousethief is right. I try to let the urchins know why I want something done, rather than just laying down the law. This doesn't always make it easier, and I sometimes still have a tussle on my hands, but they're intelligent beings, and I find that I'm more willing to do something I don't like if I know the reason why, so it stands to reason they should get the same treatment. (most hated explanation: "You have to do your homework before you turn on the TV, or the homework won't get done. It's human nature. And that television show will give you a reason to get the homework done by X o'clock." It drives 'em nuts. *BG*)