I never had a problem using a firm voice, looking them in the eye and saying, "I know you want a cookie, but you cannot have one right now. No cookies before dinner."
But swaddling totally rocks!
Absolutely does.
Used to be the norm. I raised five and how I remember the 'receiving blankets' - put the baby in diagonally, fold up the bottom triangular edge, then bring in each of the sides, snuggly.
The well-wrapped little ones loved it. They felt safe because their movements were semi-restricted, like they were used to...there was a 'wall' of safety around them.
Ever see a new born without anything around them - push out their arms or legs and when they encounter nothing but air, they panic...they start to cry and shake.