It’s a typical morning, nothing out of the ordinary.
The boys haven’t brushed their teeth and I’m yelling, BRUSH! And then Get your rears in the car NOW.
It feels like we do this every. Single. Day.
When I get in the car, I feel down – this isn’t how I want my boys to get off to school in the morning. Yelling let’s go, let’s go, let’s gooooo! – Probably isn’t the most inspirational start to their day.
Sound familiar? I know we all prefer mornings with our kids to be fueled by calm cooperation instead of high-volume threats and pleas!
It is possible.
I’ve created the Conversation Guides Series – including this Morning Departure Guide: Practice scripts for parents, so that getting out of the house is a wee-bit easier … it’s my gift to you 🎁
I got the idea to create scripts because in a parenting class while role-playing a conversation, between a parent and teen (forgetting to talk out the garbage), using Positive Discipline tools, an observing parent vigorously raised her hand, “You were going really fast just then and I’m not sure what happened but it sounded awesome. Could you go through it again but this time slowly so I can understand?”
At first, the words may feel a little stiff or clunky – just like training wheels – but it’s worth giving them a try. Especially if you leave the house in the morning shaking your head (or crying), wondering why parenting is so darn hard.
The Conversation Guide slows down the parent child interaction. Think of it as parenting in slow motion, word by word, so you can rewind at any time.
It’s true, there are many ways to parent that fit with the Positive Discipline principles. My hope is that the four approaches I’ve offered here give you confidence to find your genuine voice. One that’s both kind and firm – respectful of your child and yourself.
Okay, back to my morning with the boys… what could I have done differently? Let’s see what happens when I ask a question instead of yelling demands at them.
“Guys, what do you need to do before you get in the car for school?” They actually mumble “brush our teeth…”
“Yes, great, I’ll meet you in the car when you’re done.”
Does that sound too easy? With enough repetition, time and the resulting trust, it works.
And if you get zero response to your question – or just eye-rolling – you can calmly let them know you’ve decided to wait in the car until they’re ready (take a good book so you’re doing something pleasurable while you serenely wait).
The two keys are:
- You follow through with what you say you’re going to do – this builds trust
- You remain calm, cool and collected – trust x 100
CONSIDER⇔SHARE⇔ACT
What get’s in your way of having that calm morning you so desire?
What’s worked for you?
What gets in the way of you practicing these scripts? Share in a comment below so we can learn from each other.
If you haven’t already done so, join me on this journey!
Wanna talk? Schedule a time here.
Lisa. I just read your blog and wanted to say that I think youe eBook is wonderful (& pretty!). THANK YOU for sharing this.
I love the idea of sharing scripts! I’m visual and sometimes at a loss for words, so being able to read the concept (vs hear it demoed) really works for me.
I’m going to make Mr. Burger skim it over – he’s the one that usually takes the kiddo to school. Usually it’s fine, but every now and then she rebels and ignores our pleas/requests.
She’s still young enough I think script #2 would be cool, and I always been a fan of limited choices (script #3). Although, she’s gotten really good at what I call, “Lawyer Mode” lately. She tries to negotiate with us about the choices she’s given.
Hi Lisa, thank you for your feedback and I’m so happy that this form feels useful for you! I plan on creating more so… keep an eye out. Let me know how they work with your little one!