- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Getting Your Kids To Cooperate
An Excerpt
By Elizabeth Pantley
Question: How can I get my kids to cooperate with me? I'm constantly nagging and complaining, not that it does any good! It seems like it starts in the morning and doesn't end until they are all asleep. I get so frustrated, I really don't know what to do. Help!
Think about it: This is the number one complaint of parents around the globe. It's a biggie – purely because there are so many things we must get our kids to do (or not do!). If you're waiting for your child to start cooperating of his own free will -- you might want to pack a lunch. Things won't change on their own. It takes consistent, effective parenting skills to change your children's behavior and to encourage your children to cooperate, willingly, on a regular basis. It will take practice, patience and persistence on your part. Once you've made a few changes in your approach, you'll find that you're no longer praying for bedtime, but actually enjoying your children.
Be specific: Don't make general comments that hint at what you would like done, such as, "It would be nice if somebody helped me clean up." Don't make it sound as if compliance is optional by starting your sentence with "Will you? Could you? Would you?"