How To Make My Kid Do As I Ask
When my son was at primary school age, every time I asked him to do something, like taking a bath or going to bed, he would ask, “Why?” or replied, “I don’t want to.” Nagging or whining didn’t work because he just ignored you. It’s a waste of time and energy. Fortunately, I found a trick to make him change. As I shared with you before, he’s a logical learner. Logical answers were so meaningful and appealing to him.
One night I started to use a new strategy asking him questions instead of commanding. It went like this:
“Hey, what’s time now?”
“Mm…. It’s 9.”
“What are you supposed to do right now?”
He objected, “I don’t want to go to bed right now?”
“Do you know why I want you to sleep right now?” Then he stood in my position and gave me all the answers I wanted.
“Good thinking! After 10 minutes, I’d like to see you in your bedroom.” Then I walked away.
After 10 minutes or so, I checked him out. He’s already in bed. Wow, he’s so easy, how lucky I was. I could make my son do most things by asking him questions. This trick worked for him very well until he grew up as a teen…..
What do you think about my trick? What’s yours?