The Tipping List

Looking for an excuse to spend 106 minutes watching Daniel Craig as James Bond in Quantum of Solace as he blows up cars/trains/boats/small buildings, emerging with just a few well-placed cuts and bruises?

Me too.

Turns out dealing with wayward spies may just give parents insights into getting their own little spies to behave. Sure, it might be a stretch, but just follow me here: 007 tends to be a bit sluggish at following his superiors but eventually, with a few incentives (bribery, long chases, and the occasional explosion) he gets the job done. Maybe you can use some of Mr. Bond's tactics to get your own kids to cleanup.

1. Set a timer.

Ever notice 007 works a lot faster with a ticking bomb moving him along? Try giving your children a time limit to clean their rooms. Watch them race around to pick up their stuff before their five minutes are up (no explosion required!).

2. Offer to take them to an exotic location.

Bond may need a luxury resort in Bolivia, but your kids would probably even clean up your room for a chance to go to Chuck E. Cheese. As with Bond, you may need multiple locations to inspire your spies - instead of Italy, I'd recommend Pizza Hut and no on Panama City, but the zoo might do the trick.

3. Bring in back up.

Two kids clean faster than one. And chances are your other kids might have helped with the mess. Just think how much quicker Pierce Brosnan as Bond tracked down the bad guy in Die Another Day once American hottie, Jinx, aka Halle Berry showed up.

4. Challenge them to a duel.

Bond works best under pressure - he stared down Goldfinger, thwarted Dr. No, and even gave Judi Dench's M the evil eye a time or two, but he always performs better when there's a challenge. Pit one of your kids against the other or challenge your child to a cleaning match. Can she finish tidying up her toys before you can empty the dishwasher? (Chances are this scene ended up on the cutting room floor this time around. Maybe on the DVD edition?)

5. Break out the gadgets

No high-tech cars or pens that double as lasers, but a laundry basket can make cleaning up fun for your little spy. Have him throw his toys into the basket from different distances or give him kitchen tongs to pick up his socks. The novelty of trying something new might just get him to clean up with a smile.

6. Promise a reward.

Bond always seems to get the bad guy and the girl, but not until he's completed his mission. Let your pint-sized spy know that once she's done doing her job she can schedule a playdate with a friend or pick out a game to play just with you.

7. Give Them a Theme Song.

What would a Bond flick be without the cool spy music urging the action along? While you might not choose Madonna to provide the music for your crew (as she did in Die Another Day), you can let your kids sing along to their favorite tunes while they pick up.

So when you're sitting in the theater watching the latest Bond flick, watch closely, maybe 007 can teach you a thing or two about keeping your little spy in line.

Kristen J. Gough is a mom and writer who occasionally gets out to see a movie when she can find a babysitter for her own three little spies.

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