Parenting Your Child Effectively

Focus on "do" instead of "don't." If you use lots of negative words (no, don't, stop it, quit that, cut it out, shut up), your children may decide to tune you out. When children hear many negative words, these words mean less and the child tends to ignore or disobey you. Tell your child what to do rather than what not to do. If you already have the "don't" habit, using "do" may be difficult and take a lot of thought and practice.

However, the change in how you and your child get along will make it worth the effort. Remember, talk to your children the same way you want others to speak to you. Be polite to your children by saying words such as please, thank you and excuse me.