Tell Them What to Say

Even after we teach our children how to follow an instruction or how to accept a NO answer, our children will sometimes forget that they can choose to say, “OK”.

The other day I told my son that he needed to clean his room. I could tell that he didn’t want to do the task. His face started to pout. The second I saw this, I said, “Porter, say OK.” He looked right at me and said, “OK!” Then I praised him.

It is alright to tell them exactly what to say. This helps them problem solve the very situation they are in. The child then gets the opportunity to see how easy it is to make the right choice and feel that they conquered a situation they almost had a problem with.

This consideration from the parent also shows the child that the parent wants to help them choose right. Sometimes parents come across, to their children, as sneaky people who are just waiting for their children to mess up, so that they can get mad at their children again.Helping the childknow what to sayis considerate teaching.

If the children aren’t saying what they should, try telling them what to say right in the middle of the situation.

It works great! Nicholeen