The best way to get your child
to behave? Stay positive when you talk to him. But who has the patience? Brett Berk, author of The Gay Uncle's Guide to Parenting (and a former preschool teacher), says you can easily cut these phrases out of your mom vocabulary and see a big difference in how your child acts: ". . . okay?" As in, "We're going to go to the doctor's now, okay?" You don't have to clear every little detail with your child. And what are you going to do if he says "No!" as he probably will? Instead, give him the info he needs: "We're going to the doctor's in five minutes. Let's get ready."
"That's not nice." "Nice" is a weak word and doesn't mean much to kids. Think about what you're really trying to say. Hitting his brother is not allowed? The specificity will get him to stop -- and maybe keep him from starting next time.
"Can't you seeĀ
?" Actually, no. Your kid probably can't see that you're checking your e-mail/talking to Dad/draining the pasta. They're a little self-centered, kids -- and that's normal. So fill your child in ("I'm talking to Daddy right now") and be constructive ("so you have to say 'Excuse me' or wait until we're done").
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