This week we will focus on keeping our language precise, simple, brief, and positive. Kids understand more when we speak less. Long explanations, however reasoned and well-intentioned, are usually counterproductive because students often start to think about other things before we finish talking. We may also be tempted include warnings and threats that are generally not effective.
1) User fewer words
2) Get to the point "Jack, sit down."
3) Leave out threats and warnings
4) Think about how to ask, instead of tell, to engage your child's logic and strengthen their executive functioning skills. "What do you do to get ready for school?" "What are the things you need for your homework?"
5) Know when to be silent.
6) Remember, when a person is out of control and in a heightened emotional state, appealing to logic will not work. Calming down isn't just ideal, it is mandatory if logical thinking is expected. It is helpful to, when your child is calm, come up with a list of strategies that help him/her calm down and post them somewhere for easy referral during times of stress.
