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Inviting Cooperation
Ask, Don't Tell
A great way to invite cooperation is to ask
questions, rather than make statements. Consider this: "What could happen if
you run on the wet sidewalk?" (followed with "So what do you think you should
do?") rather than "Don't run on the wet sidewalk". The question "What could
happen. . ." invites the child to stop and think for a moment. The order "Don't
run. . ." invites the child to defy the order--if only to see what s/he can get
away with! Think about it--aren't you more inclined to cooperate when you're
asked, rather than when you're told?
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Children's Wisdom
New Nerves
The other day Ben and I got off to a rough start. He has a lot of energy (and volume) in the morning, and I often don't have
the patience for his level of enthusiasm. So after this tough beginning, as we
drove to school, I explained that it wasn't him, it was me--I just didn't have
much patience, and his enthusiasm got on my last nerve. He replied, "Can't you get some new nerves?". After stifling my giggles, I replied, "I never
thought about that". And I hadn't, but it is now my mission in life to find
some new, more tolerant nerves so I can more fully love and appreciate my boy,
however he shows up!
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January Workshop for Parents of Preschoolers
(Almost) Everything You Wanted to Know. . .
 Do you ever wonder WHY your child does what s/he does? Ever ask yourself, "Is this normal?"
Linda partners with Moira Sullivan, Occupational Therapist, to answer these (and other) questions in a 4-hour workshop on January 30 in Los Gatos. For more information
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