What's The Magic Word?

I'm sure about 75% of Americans at one point or another in their childhood have heard a parent ask "what is the magic word?". You all know the answer, right? No, not the sassy version "NOW!", the correct version "PLEASE!".

Part 1: Friday night the kids and I had dinner with my mom and stepdad so Tom could have some free time to kick back and relax at home. (Don't ask me why but that's what he likes for downtime every now and then.) Tristan was being his typical little pain-in-the-butt self during the whole meal, but for the most part he ate using his manners.

Part 2: For those of you who didn't know, Tristan is a big fan of Mickey Mouse and so watches the kids show "Mickey Mouse Club House" on Noggin nearly every morning before leaving for daycare. Every show starts with Mickey telling his audience that they need to say the magic words "meeska mooska mickeeeeeeeey mouse!" to make the clubhouse appear. You see where this is going I'm sure.

Part 3: After dinner was over Tristan wanted some milk, normal enough. So he asked "Can I have some milk?" Seeing as how manners were a big focus the entire meal, my mom's response was "what's the magic word?".

Parts combined to make Tristan's response: "Meeska Mooska Mickeeeeeeeeeey Mouse!"

I about died laughing while my mom and stepdad were looking on in bewilderment. They just thought he was spouting some nonsense because he didn't want to say please! I finally pulled it together enough to let them in on the joke.

And that is why today, folks, the admonition "what's the magic word" might not produce the desired result anymore.