Do you mean what you say to other adults? Think about these things to find out.

• Write down any answers you give adults at work and at home when they ask for something – answers that really say, “I don’t really mean it.” For example, when you answer “In a minute.” “Maybe.” or “Sure.”

• Listen for how many times you say these things and notice how many times you follow through afterwards.

• Were there people who seemed to not even hear you – like when they heard your answer they didn’t really expect you to follow through?

• Were there some people who were disappointed when you didn’t follow through?

Now, think about how you would answer these questions thinking about what you say to your children. It is important to mean what you say and follow through with both adults and children.