It was meant to be funny, but IMO failed. I almost quit reading at that point.
Basically, the writer marvels that someone had the self-confidence not to bargain with a 3 year old (or with a bystanding author).
My wife bargains with our 4 yr old.
It infuriates me.
I tell her “That child does not get to vote”.
This is the only time in my daughters’ life when my word is law.
It all goes downhill from here, balance of power-wise, so I strive to indoctrinate her with my values now, before it is too late.
If done incorrectly she will, in a few years, bring home a boyfriend with piercings and purple hair, and I will go to prison for murder.
I seek to avoid that scenario.