To get your child’s attention, say it a different way. At the same time, you can introduce your child to a fun way to use words.

Try your hand at writing a short poem. Don’t turn away yet, keep reading. It’s not as hard as you may think, and it can be fun – even funny.

Start by writing down your idea – what your message is. Then try to say it with rhyming words.

Use a rhyming book or an Internet site for help – or ask a co-worker, friend, neighbor, or child to offer ideas.

Share your poem with your child. Be sure to tell her what it was like to write it – hard, fun, made you proud to finish it, etc.

Post your poem where it can be seen.

Ask your child if she would like to try saying something this new way and, if so, go through the steps with him.