I ran across a few pages in Good Housekeeping magazine that had great tips for parents. I thought I would share some of the advice that I really liked.
If your well-intentioned words seems to sound like a lecture to your kid (and therefore get, well, ignored), try these tactics instead:
1. Keep your comments clear, concise, and positive, emphasizing the positive action you want to come out of the discussion. For example, rather than, "Stop being mean to your sister!" try, "If you want your sister to know something you think will help her, say it in a way that won't hurt her feelings."
2. Ask questions rather than dictating solutions. For instance, try, "Do you think you'll be able to get the whole project done in two nights?" rather than, "You have to start your science project now!" Questions encourage kids to think for themselves and give them the sense you trust them.
3. Or try the "let's collaborate" approach. Explain what you're worried about (maybe your child is staying up too late after you tell him/her to go to bed and say something like, "I've noticed you're having trouble getting up in the morning. What do you think would help you feel more rested?" Let your child try his/her suggestions; then, if they don't work, share yours.
4. Weave advice into everyday conversations. A formal "Come here; we need to talk" approach usually does not work. Instead, catch kids when they're feeling chatty and pay attention to the times of day when they open up naturally--for some it's after school, for others it's before bed.
It's hard to believe tomorrow is December 1st which means only 13 more school days before Winter Break!!
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