Picture this: It's bedtime and children are getting their goodnight kisses. The parents wish them sweet dreams, leave the room and close the door behind them. With their defenders gone, the children begin their nightly debate: Is the boogeyman here? And if so, what exactly are they going to do about it? The boogeyman comes from the 15th-century Middle English word "bogeyman," which means "frightening specter." As legend would have it, this ubiquitous creature prowls around at night, snatching up misbehaving children. While most parents reassure their children that such a mythical creature of correction does not exist, the legend persists and it taps into a powerful motivational factor-fear. Mind your manners, obey your parents, do your chores and the boogeyman will stay away. Misbehave and take your chances.
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