Ever been in that familiar spot, feeling like a broken record, repeating requests with little response?
Here's the good news! You don't need to resort to bargaining, raising your voice, or giving a lengthy explanation for cooperation. Sometimes, you just need to say LESS.
Consider the urge to repeat instructions when your little one seems to be tuning you out. Think again. A key lesson from conditioning: we grow accustomed to what's familiar.
So, if you find yourself telling your child to pick up their coat and getting ignored, resist saying the same thing louder. There's a better way to achieve cooperation without a heavy price.
You have begun the conditioning process. At that point, your child knows you don't mean business until you've repeated yourself or reached an unwanted decibel. Saying less is the first step to complete transformation in your relationship and empowers you as a parent.
It may seem counterintuitive, but saying less is the path to being heard, understood, and acknowledged. If you're willing to repeat yourself, others will be too. If you expect to be heard and understood, you're on your way to saying less.
You're no longer willing to accept being ignored. Keep your words few, simple, and to the point. Be eye to eye, address your child by name, use a gentle touch for connection, and have your child repeat your instruction.
Expect to be heard and understood. Expect action. Believe what you say is important, and your audience will too.
Now, what if your child decides to ignore you? Every child is a little scientist testing boundaries. Regardless of age, make sure your child knows they have free will, and choices come with consequences.
Ensure there's a fair, immediate consequence for ignoring you. Being cooperative is beneficial; being uncooperative is inconvenient. Ensure a clear understanding of choices and consequences when making requests.
Avoid setting yourself up for failure. Speak directly, make eye contact, say your child's name, place a hand gently on their shoulder, communicate your request, and indicate consequences. Have them repeat it back.
This proven system works with consistency. When successful, celebrate with laughter, praise, and joy. Everybody wins. ;)
In the book of Proverbs, we find wisdom that says, "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil." (Proverbs 15:28)
As parents, our words hold power, shaping our relationships. Saying less doesn't diminish that power; it refines it, making each word more impactful. Embracing the simplicity of fewer words strengthens understanding and cooperation in our homes.
In conclusion, as you begin saying less, envision a home where your words carry weight, where each word resonates with wisdom and love. Your interactions with your children will be marked by understanding, cooperation, and the joy of shared victories.
When you’re ready to put these skills into practice, the real test comes when picking clothes off the floor, dishes left on the counter, and messy rooms. We’ve got tips for that too! Head over to Routines & Time Management For Kids to find solutions and strategic action steps.
