Do you have one of these types of people in your life…. Bossy and controlling. Always telling you what to do. And pointing out what you did wrong. You know the type, right? Do you want to spend time with this person? Probably not. Let’s hope this person isn’t your boss. That’s the worst because they have power over you. As well-meaning parents, we often act like that bossy, negative, controlling, domineering boss we can’t stand. With our children, we might sound like this, “Don’t hit!” “Don’t run in the road!” “Don’t talk to me like that!” “Don’t take that from the baby.” "Don't throw the ball in the house." Do you feel good about yourself When someone is always telling you what not to do? Either do our little ones. Children who feel better, do better, as we say in Positive Discipline. ---and that goes for grown-ups too. Now, I hear the questions in your mind... But what DO I say to my child? What if there is a safety issue? How do I let them know this is serious? They were wrong, and they need to hear it. What if they don’t listen to me? What if they never learn? I hear you. Breathe, friends. There's another way. A way for you to..... communicate the most clearly so your children can most understand you, and in a way in which they will most want to listen to you. All with the peace of mind knowing you're teaching your children positive life skills, and what they can do to be successful in life-- not just what you don't want them to do. Telling your children what they can do takes practice + patience, like learning a new language. 1-2-3 Steps to Telling Children What They Can Do aka "Do Statements:"
2. What should your child be doing *right* now? Now, you probably know right off the bat you want your child to stop. doing. what. they're. doing. Like yesterday. Just stop that hitting, crying, throwing, jumping, running, or taking. But should they be doing? If you know what your children can do, they will know what they can do. And the amazing thing is with this clarity + positivity, they usually do exactly what we want them to do! So, how can you translate what they shouldn't be doing -------> to what they should be doing? Some ideas to get you going.... "Don't run." becomes --------> "Walk, please." or "We walk like this..." "Don't yell at me." becomes -----------> "Say, excuse me." "Don't stand in your chair." becomes ---------> "We sit in our chairs." "Don't take that toy." becomes "Let's ask for a turn." 3. Sync it up with positivity! So much of communication is in non-verbals. We might be saying something positive to our children, but our shoulders are to our ears, our face is strained, and there's frustration in our voice. Hey, it happens to all of us. Please be patient with you. If can you think of it, relax into the statement, get a picture in your mind of your little one doing what you want them to do, get down on their level, look them in the eye, smile, and say confidently what you are wanting to see happen next. Here's some ways you can embody the positive "Do Statement" with every fiber of your being.
While I hope this tool transforms your children's behavior, remember there is no magic pill to address every challenging behavior. I do promise you, the more you embody the positive, and your needs are met as a parent, the more positive change you will see at home. Please be patient with you, and your children. Remember children may need to hear the same thing up to 2,000 times before they learn it! (This is a Facebook fact, and not scientifically proven but it helps keep things in perspective.) Wishing you all the best in parenting, and in life--- and let me know how it goes! Megan p.s. Did you enjoy this tool? Would you like to continue your positive parenting practice to bring more fun + more peace to your home? Join 4 weeks of Parenting for the Next Generation Online Class + Community! Join the community + the movement to reclaim your birthright to a happy home!
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Mama Megan
Hi friends, I write from the heart to tell my life story, and the story of those in my neighborhood called life. Research shows that our children's emotional & mental health is contingent upon us parents being able to tell our life story, or "coherent narrative." This is my coherent narrative, my life story in the making, with some of what I love in life too. My goal is to share my life in a way that is real, uplifting & positive- sometimes serious, sometimes fun. In my practice, I inspire parents to empowerment through reclaiming our life stories and learning respectful discipline. My work is my offering to our children- our future. Wishing you all a happy family! Archives
May 2021
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