preemptive
when paul does something i've told him not to do and the expected negative result takes place, there's always a stunned silence, then he neatly defuses the situation and doesn't get in trouble.
how does a toddler do such a thing? with the power of a word.
me: paul, don't stand on that box -- you're going to fall.
paul: [climbs on top of box]
paul: [falls off, lands on his bottom]
me: oops!
me: you okay?
paul: [pause]
paul: see? [mimicking my intonation]
me: [laughter]
paul: [getting up and sneaking off]
me: hey, where did that boy go? oh well.
i don't know where he picked up that idea, but he's already used it on me twice today. he's got great comic timing.