As a parent, this works well with toddlers too. When you start counting they know a storm is coming and they can avoid it if they choose their next answer/action carefully...
- ask kiddo to do something, get a "no" or "I'm busy."
- I say "I don't want to have to count." Continued resistance 30% of the time.
- If resistance then counting starts. Compliance comes earlier or later in the counting 95% of the time.
If counting finishes then guaranteed tears also has a plan because wife and I have time to see it coming too.