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by John
As my kids are getting older we are starting to arrange more play dates. Like all parents we talk to our kids about appropriate behavior on a play date. Things like use good manners, don’t play too rough, say thank you and please, don’t break anything, cooperate, be friendly, help clean up and listen to the parent in charge. Our play date mantra is “Kids who behave themselves get invited back”.
My kids easily understand this cause and effect. Once I got them to understand the concept of cause and effect I’ve used it for everything. Things like:
- If you finish your homework early the effect is more play time
- If you review your school material and study for your test the effect is good grades
- If you clean your room up the effect is more friends can come to visit
- If you eat healthy the effect is more energy and feeling better
- If you brush your teeth the effect is less dentist visits and no painful cavities
- If you develop good listening skills the effect is less confusion and better learning
- If you are friendly and positive the effect is more friends
- If you read more the effect is improved writing
- If you practice the effect is improvement
- If you are willing to try new things the effect is finding more things you love
- If you care about others the effect is others will care about you
You get the idea. With my kids I’m always trying to find their Ah-Ha moments. Understanding their Ah-Ha moments helps me communicate better with them, lay the foundation to more complicated issues, and helps me rediscover the joy of childhood.
