Many parents complain that their kids don't listen. One way to motivate cooperation is through the use of curiosity questions. Using questioning, when we are calm and rational, and truly listening to kids' answers, provides a valuable model for good listening. Modeling good listening teaches kids more about listening and cooperation than a traditional lecture about what happened, why it happened, and how they should feel. Here are some examples below.
- What would help you remember to bring what you need to be prepared for class?
- What is your plan for getting your homework done and turned in on time?
- What will you wear so you will feel warm outside?
- How can you and your brother solve this problem?
- What words can you say so I can hear you?
- What will happen to laundry that isn't in the hamper?
- What could we do to solve this problem respectfully?
- What happened?
- What were you trying to accomplish?
- How do you feel about what happened?
- What did you learn from this experience?
- What ideas do you have to fix what happened?
- What solutions will help you experience a different outcome in the future?
~From Mrs. Kearns
