It’s about the way we phrase things. We’re used to pour a sauce of politeness over our communication with other adults, but also with children. Children can hear these politely formulated requests for what they are; questions that can be answered with a “no”. Don’t become background noise and reformulate polite non-questions, to authoritative (clear and fair) statements and notice the difference.
Some examples:
Before going out, don’t ask: “Do you need the toilet?”, but say: “Go and use the bathroom. I’ll wait here.”
Don’t ask: “Give it to mama, ok?”, but say: “Give it to mama.” And don’t ask: “Are you coming?”, but say: “We’re going, come on.”
Take 1 Asking or telling?
Parent: “Are you going to tidy up now?”
Child: “No.”
Parent: “Come on, it’s time to tidy so we can go.”
Child: “I’m still busy.”
Parent: “No, it’s time to tidy up, come on!”
Child: (thinking, unconsciously) All I hear is a whining mom/dad.
Parent: “Hello, do you hear me? I’m talking to you, it’s time to tidy up.”
Take 2 Asking or telling?
Parent: “It’s time to tidy up. We can go once you’re done.”
Child: “But I still want to play.”
Parent: “I see that, and it’s time to go now so I can help you tidy but playtime is over.”
Child: (reluctant) “Ok, can you help me?”
I am happy to help your family out in finding a communication style that works for you. Contact me and book your session!
Comments