It's so hard to keep your cool when there's a few of them snapping at your heels. I find myself raising my voice and saying negative things at them in frustration.
Clearing out an old email 'drafts' folder earlier I found 10 Phrases to Make a Better Parent. I can't remember where it's from, so I can't share the source sorry, but I wanted to share the tips at least...
A guide to: how to talk to your kids better. I think I need to print it out and stick it somewhere I can read it every day. I need to re-programme my brain and stop saying the wrong things!!
10 Phrases to Make a Better Parent:
INSTEAD OF: You are a naughty boy.
TRY: What did you learn from this? What can you try next time?
INSTEAD OF: Hurry Up! We're late!
TRY: It’s okay. Take the time you need... Next time, leave more time to get ready!
INSTEAD OF: Oh no! What have you have done!
TRY: It really won’t matter five years from now! I will show you how to fix this.
INSTEAD OF: You need to...
TRY: I need you to...
INSTEAD OF: Because I said so!
TRY: I’ll explain my reasoning in five minutes when I’m not distracted so much.
INSTEAD OF: Stop that tantrum right now!
TRY: You feel frustrated and angry. Can I give you a hug?
INSTEAD OF: Stop crying.
TRY: It’s OK to cry and feel your feelings. Want a hug?
INSTEAD OF: No!
TRY: I can see you really want that but I can’t provide it right now.
INSTEAD OF: You’ve wrecked my...
TRY: I’m really angry right now. I need to take a timeout.
INSTEAD OF: Stop doing that!
TRY: Would you consider this?
INSTEAD OF: Go play and leave me alone.
TRY: I love you!
