So this week we’re going to talk a bit more about co-operation and commands. I promise to keep it short this week! While I’m a big fan of the indirect approach of using statements rather than direct commands, I think it’s impossible to avoid commands altogether. So here are some ways to at least make commands clear and easier to follow.
#1 Tell them what you want them to do
This sounds obvious but I find myself telling my little girl what I don’t want. For example: Don’t wipe your snot on my clothes or Stop pulling my top. Focusing on the positive instead and what you actually want them to do makes the message clearer. If you focus on what you want them to stop doing then that puts the undesired behaviour at the forefront of their minds. So instead, you state what you want them to do. For example Tidy up the Lego, or put the wrapper in the black bin, or put the lids on the markers, or keep the water in the sink.
#2 Keep your tone neutral
The tone of voice we use is really important too as non-verbal communication is very powerful and our children can sense the underlying tone of irritation or frustration which can provoke resistance or a feeling of being criticised. So it’s important to keep it polite and respectful- not always easy!
#3 Warnings and Reminders
Depending on the situation and how old your child is, you can alert them to a command that’s coming. For example: When the big hand is at 5 it’ll be time to put away the Play Doh. We do this at the playground sometimes. I set the alarm on my phone (for a million ninety nine minutes- the usual request!) and say When the alarm goes off, then it’s time to go home. Sometimes we negotiate an extra bit of time – most of the time, this has worked a treat and we can make a civilised exit! Not always though…
#4 When-then commands
These type of commands spell out clear consequences of behaviour. And they’re useful when you can give your child a choice to comply or not. For example, when you’ve brushed teeth, then we’ll have stories or when you put the Lego in the box, then you can take out the paints.
I’d love to know how you get on with these suggestions so please be sure and leave a comment below.
If you like this post, I’d be delighted if you passed it on to your friends! And you can find me on Facebook too https://www.facebook.com/talknua
Let’s get talking!
MP