Although it seems justifiable to use any means to get kids to listen and obey, The Golden Rule applies for parents too! Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
I don't like to be yelled at, criticized, lectured or bossed around. And neither does my son. Or my husband, for that matter. I am trying to find other ways to get my son to do what he needs to do for our family to function well.
What do I do besides yelling, criticizing, lecturing, and other embarrassing methods?
Here it is in principle: The Other Golden Rule
I don't like to be yelled at, criticized, lectured or bossed around. And neither does my son. Or my husband, for that matter. I am trying to find other ways to get my son to do what he needs to do for our family to function well.
What do I do besides yelling, criticizing, lecturing, and other embarrassing methods?
Here it is in principle: The Other Golden Rule
He who has the gold rules! I rule the distribution of candy, video games, trips to the park, how long I feel like playing board games and many other motivating factors in my son's life. I am so happy to bestow these blessings when things are running smoothly and we cooperate together.
Here's how I rule with the grace of a homemaking queen: When I am at my best, I say something like, "I am sorry, it looks like you won't be ready to play the Wii game today. You can play it after you finish your homework with a better attitude."
Or I might say, "I'll be so happy to play with you after you clean up the puzzle."
After proving a number of times that I will back up my words to the extent that our whole little world shuts down, my son knows without a doubt that these gentle-sounding words mean business.
Learning to speak to my son in such a positive way has decreased our power struggles! I don't get mad as often! He doesn't retaliate as often! It's great!!!!
I hope it helps you!!
Love,
Alison
Here's how I rule with the grace of a homemaking queen: When I am at my best, I say something like, "I am sorry, it looks like you won't be ready to play the Wii game today. You can play it after you finish your homework with a better attitude."
Or I might say, "I'll be so happy to play with you after you clean up the puzzle."
After proving a number of times that I will back up my words to the extent that our whole little world shuts down, my son knows without a doubt that these gentle-sounding words mean business.
Learning to speak to my son in such a positive way has decreased our power struggles! I don't get mad as often! He doesn't retaliate as often! It's great!!!!
I hope it helps you!!
Love,
Alison
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