Motivating kids

​“Good- bye! We’re leaving you”
Many (maybe even most) parents have pulled out this little trick to motivate a slow, uncooperative or distracted child to follow.
Why do we do it? Because it works! It gets a little one hustling behind us.
But, it plays off of our child’s fear of being abandoned, lost and unprotected. Controlling another person by fear is a form of bullying.
It can be so frustrating when our kids don’t listen but our relationship with them is the key to all success, including cooperation
Don’t chip away at your relationship with your kid by using fear to control them. It may get results in that moment but in the long run it will backfire.
Here are some things to try instead
1. Slow down, remember kids can’t do what adults can do. Plan your day with the youngest kids in mind.

2. Try understanding what your child needs. This may be as simple as asking “hey honey, what do you need right now? How can I help you?” Maybe it’s a snack, a rest, a hug, a piggie back ride…

3. Use fun and imagination. Push her “robot buttons” on her back for extra energy! Find his “Spidey superhero speed dial” and turn it on. Pretend you’re the train engineer and your kid is the caboose.
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No need to kick yourself for the old school parenting techniques you’ve used… but isn’t it exciting that we can learn new skills and impact future generations with more secure relationships!

Need more tips or a deeper dive into managing challenges with your children? Reach out and get more support.