I found this deer toy that poops out candy. And so if I say, 'Cree, you have to go to bed right now. You will get a candy.' We've named the pooping deer 'Gus.'... He gets a jelly bean. And it works. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. I'm learning things like that which help me be a better parent.

In this quote, Tia Mowry shares a lighthearted anecdote about her experience as a parent and her approach to discipline and positive reinforcement. She talks about a toy—a deer that "poops out candy"—which she uses as a tool to encourage good behavior in her child. The toy is a playful way to motivate her child, Cree, to go to bed by offering a reward in the form of candy when the child complies with her request.

Mowry emphasizes that positive reinforcement is an effective parenting technique, where good behavior is rewarded, encouraging children to repeat the behavior. By using a fun and interactive approach like the pooping deer, she makes the process more enjoyable for both her and her child. This method taps into the idea that rewards—especially when tied to enjoyable experiences like receiving candy—can be a powerful motivator for young children.

She also acknowledges that her approach to parenting is a learning process, where she’s continually discovering new strategies that help her be a better parent. This reflects her openness to learning and adapting as a mother, demonstrating that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and even playful methods can be part of a healthy parenting style.

Ultimately, the quote showcases Mowry's parenting philosophy: that making parenting enjoyable, while also using effective reinforcement, can create a positive and encouraging environment for both the parent and the child. It also highlights the importance of finding creative and practical solutions to everyday parenting challenges.