So much for positive discipline

Several months ago, I picked up a discipline workbook from Parenting Playgroups, a fabulous local organization that provides parenting workshops and resources, preschool classes, "camps," and a once-a-week open playtime that we try to take advantage of as often as possible. Because Amelia's behavior has been less than desirable lately, Luke and I have been diligently reading the discipline book and trying hard to practice the techniques, most of which focus on having a positive spin on discipline. For example, the section of the book that discusses consequences encourages parents to give positive or natural consequences as often as possible, rather than immediately going for the negative consequences that seem to tumble out of our mouths so easily, especially when we're frustrated ("If you don't pick up your toys, you're going to time out!"). So now, when Amelia is resisting naptime or bedtime, we say, "If you lie down and take a good nap, you'll have enough energy to run and play in the yard this afternoon," or if she doesn't want to clean up, "If you clean up your toys, we can listen to music for a few minutes before bedtime." At first, Amelia responded well to it, but now her standard response is: "What happens if I DON'T do it?" On to the next chapter: negative consequences. Sigh.