Clear Communication
Healthy communication goes both ways. Not only is it important that your child respect your directions, but also to listen to your child to build trust and work together. It takes practice, consistency, and patience to ensure a positive environment for communication. Children imitate adult behavior—you have the responsibility to be their model to instill good behaviors and help manage their emotions.
The four general tips this week may be incorporated into any parenting style and the activities offer specific techniques for you to try out. Find the ones that fit best your household. This week is all about learning effective communication techniques to build trust and discipline for both you and your child.
Mission
Adopt a new technique that works for your householdGoals
DUE Friday, July 23rd
4 Tips to Keep in Mind
Be specific
Be clear about what you want and expect
“Play nicely/be good” is too broad and can have many interpretations
Use age-appropriate terms they can understand
Set clear, realistic limits with your child
Always say what you mean & follow through
You can change your mind, but make sure to say it and explain why to your child
You can be flexible with rules e.g. “You can play on your tablet for an extra hour today because we are going for a long drive.”
If they know you don’t mean it they will continue misbehaving
Never give in or reward them for misbehavior/whining/tantrums etc.
Stay calm & in control over your emotions
Avoid “you against them” attitude (helps to prevent potential power struggles between parent and child); You are working together to help them make better choices
Be firm & fair — without raising your voice
Model how to self-regulate yourself, they learn from seeing you
Learn from your mistakes
Think about what you could have done differently and try it next time
You don’t always have to be right, it is okay to make mistakes
Apologize easily and often without blame or excuses.
There’s no shame in apologizing, it shows responsibility and demonstrates that you care
Activities
1. 123 Magic!
123 Magic is an evidence-based technique to help parents stay in charge. We recommend learning the technique and seeing if it works for your family.
Read a free shortened PDF version OR purchase the book.
Dr. Thomas Phelan, the author of the book, explains how to use 123 Magic with an example in this 5 minute video.
Eliminates unnecessary talking, yelling, arguing
Helps child realize that certain behavior results in specific, consistent consequences
Helps parents stay in control
Keeps emotions calmer
Saves parent time
2. Follow Me Cards
This game is all about following directions. The directions are silly, active, and helpful. It is important to practice following 3-part commands as this will improve your child’s listening and processing ability. Children will also learn to associate following directions with having fun!
To prepare please print these 2 pages (double-sided, black & white is fine) and cut along the dotted lines. Then have your child pick any card and follow the directions. You can read one, two, or three directions at a time depending on your child’s level.
The last direction on every card is meant to instill politeness, practice common management techniques (often used by teachers), or fulfill daily tasks.
Download the PDF to access the cards.
Improve Auditory Comprehension
Reading/Listening
Speech & Vocabulary Practice
Memory & Recall
Sequencing Skills
3. Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course for your child to navigate through. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. It can be indoor or outdoor. You can focus on listening skills by giving specific directions or focus on movement by creating physical tasks. There are infinite possibilities!
Use different objects all around your house. Ex: Blankets, pillows, cardboard boxes, balls, tables, clothespins, mats, string, timer, hula hoops, etc.
You could also use tape or chalk on the floor to draw an obstacle course. Straight line, zig zag line, crosses and circles can all mean different movements and balancing techniques.
Example:
Tip-toe through the zig zags
Hop like a bunny on the X’s
Spin around like a tornado 5 times
Stand on one foot in the box for 5 seconds
Action Words:
Walk
Run
Climb
Crawl
Jump
Balance
Roll
Spin
Throw
Under/over
Right/left
Tip-toe
Have a challenge that they must complete before moving on like saying their ABCs or counting.
Make it fun! Tape up a toy and pretend that it needs to be rescued. Tell them they must complete the obstacle course and pull off the tape in order to rescue the toy.
Gross Motor skills
Visual Perception
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Speech & Language
Listening Skills
4. Book Recommendation
Check out some wonderful story time books for your child to help them with behavior and discipline:
1. No, David by David Shannon
This book centers on a child, David, and the mischief he causes while his mother tells him “no”. It is quite funny for children and has realistic examples. The many examples present an opportunity for discussion of what behavior is acceptable. At the end, the books concludes that despite all the bad behavior David’s Mom still loves him.
2. The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
This book follows a grouchy ladybug who challenges everyone to a fight. It shows that being mean and bullying others is not the right way. Instead children learn the benefits of friendship and nice manners.
3. Calm Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick
This book demonstrates how a quiet, calm-down area can help a child handle their emotions. It also provides a few methods for releasing strong emotions, expressing them and calming down.
Teaches values and beliefs
Promotes bonding and opportunities for empathy
Develops early literacy skills (visual and auditory) and concentration
Stimulates curiosity and imagination