Getting Your Child To Help You

The following tips may improve your chances that your child will hear what you say and respond.

• Give information. Instead of saying “How many times do I have to tell you not to jump on the couch!” try “Couches are not for jumping on.”
• Describe what you see, not what you think. Instead of, “You always leave the milk on the counter and I always have to put it away!” try “The milk is on the counter.”
• Be specific about your requests. “You need to pick up your blocks and put away your dolls” is better than, “You need to clean your room”
• Do not make idle threats. “If you don’t pick up your toys, I’ll throw them all away.” (Will you really throw them ALL away?)
• Talk about your feelings using “I statements”. “I get frustrated when I try to talk and am constantly interrupted.” rather than, “You always interrupt when I’m trying to talk.”