I always try to use the parenting skills that I teach or else I feel like a phony. How can I counsel parents if I can’t do this myself. Sometimes I feel pressured but most of the time I am glad I know parenting techniques that actually work. Strategies to help me connect with my kids, be supportive and keep myself from losing it.
Today I used the following skills:
Descriptive praise:
Me:”T your room is all clean. The bed is made, the clothing is off the floor and your laundry put away. It is a pleasure to look at your room!”
“I” statement:
Me: “I need help sweeping the floor or washing down the table if we want to get to the grocery store before I drop you off at school!”
Empathy:
T: “I can’t wait for my birthday present to come! I want it to come right away!
Me: “Waiting for birthday presents can be tough! You wish you could just snap your fingers and get it like that!”
The broken record:
A: “I already brushed my teeth!”
Me: (he did not brush his teeth) “Teeth need to brushed in the morning!”
A: “I already brushed my teeth!”
Me: “Teeth need to brushed in the morning!”(as I move him along to the bathroom).
I repeated “Teeth need to brushed in the morning!”about 5 more times until it was done.
All in all it was a successful morning. I will try to keep it up!