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Stacey stared at her plate. There the peas sat; big, gross and green. Stacey looked around the big dinner table. Mommy and Daddy were eating their peas, and so was baby Freddy.

“You better finish eating those peas Stacey! We’re having chocolate pudding for dessert!” Stacey’s mom smiled. Stacey didn’t smile. She frowned. Stacey loved chocolate pudding, but she hated peas.

“I’m not going to eat them Mommy, but I will eat chocolate pudding.” Stacey said sweetly.

“That’s not how it works Stacey, and you know that. Now be a big girl and eat those peas so you can grow big and strong.” Stacey’s father said sternly. “Now Stacey!”

It isn’t fair! Mommy and Daddy are so mean! I need some chocolate pudding but Mommy says I can’t have any because I didn’t eat those yucky green peas on my plate! I hate peas, but Mommy makes me eat them anyways! But I didn’t eat them. I hate listening to Mommy and Daddy. They’re just so mean to me! I don’t have to eat my green peas if I don’t want to. But I DO want my chocolate pudding! They told me to act like a big girl and eat my food. But I AM a big girl, and big girls don’t have to listen to Mommy and Daddy if they don’t want to. When you’re a big girl like me, you can do whatever you want.

“This is your last chance Stacey, start eating your peas right now or you’re not going to get your chocolate pudding. One… Two…” Stacey’s mother was holding up two fingers, preparing herself to put up a third.

“I don’t want to Mommy. They just look so gross!” Stacey whimpered.

“You haven’t even tried them before!” Her mother sighed, tapping her foot still holding the spoonful of peas in her hand.

“Open your mouth and stop being so silly.” Stacey’s father chimed in.

Stacey gulped and finally did as she was told. She opened her mouth wide and shut her eyes tightly.