Today’s Parenting Tip:

DECIDE:   To learn the difference between telling and asking.

PRACTICE:       Today, notice how many times you tell your child what is expected of him. For example, telling him to come to dinner, get dressed, feed the dog, etc.

Think about exactly what you said. How many times did you “tell” him in the form of a question? Are your ready for dinner? Will you feed the dog?

Think about how you can change these statements next time so that the child realizes he does not have a choice.

When he has no choice, you could say things like, “Come to dinner now while it is hot.” Or, “Feed the dog on time so you can watch your TV show tonight”

Today’s Decide and Practice daily parenting tip was inspired by our featured picture book, THAT MAKES ME MAD!.  Read the book to a child in your life each day as a reminder of what you are deciding and practicing that day.

Come back each day for another good parenting decision and how to practice it. (Each day’s activity will also be posted on the Daily Parenting Tips page for easy access.)

Read the whole story at What You Need to Know about an Angry Child, Part 2.