Dear Obie,
I feel like I’m constantly negotiating with my kids. I say, “If you do this, then you get that.” It always seems to turn into a battle. How do I get them to cooperate without the constant pushback?
Signed,
Always Negotiating
♦ ♦ ♦
Dear Always Negotiating,
I hear you! Parenting can feel like an endless round of debates. But here’s a simple tweak that can work wonders: swap “if-then” for “when-then.”
“If-then” statements often sound like threats (“If you don’t clean your room, no TV!”), while “when-then” statements set clear expectations in a way that feels positive and motivating. It’s a game-changer!
Try These Instead:
✨ “When you clean your room, then you can watch your favorite show.”
🍽️ “When you help set the table, then we can enjoy our meal together.”
🎮 “When you finish your homework, then you can play your favorite game.”
🛏️ “When you get ready for bed, then we can enjoy a bedtime story together.”
This small shift creates a smoother, more cooperative dynamic. Try it out and see the difference!
Author: Patrick Luse
#StrongerTogether #HelpingKidsGrow #OBHAW #OuachitaBehavioralHealthAndWellness #HotSprings #GarlandCounty #HotSpringsAR