a tip from my daughters' pre-k - 3d grade school,

[elleng]

now expanded to 8th grade. (Daughters are now 25 + 29.)

A parenting tip from Lowell's PEP class facilitator, Patti Cancellier:
Working from children's strengths, not deficits, is a surefire way to foster belonging and cooperation. Notice and describe what is helpful about what they've done, rather than what they haven't done. "Looks like you got yourself out of bed, took your pajamas off, and now you're ready to get your clothes on" versus "Why aren't you dressed? We have to leave!"

[TxDemChem]

1. I like that. That technique is far more effective than nagging.

[elleng]

2. Sure is!

The school provided us parents with lists of 'words and phrases' to promote success in various situations.

[mzteris]

3. Reminds me of

"Miss Patsy's rule from preschool nearly 20 years ago....

Be happy with what you got.

She was the music teacher with a box full of 'instruments' ... You know, triangle, rhythm sticks, maracas, tambourines, bongos. As you might imagine, some were more popular than others. She had her rule, though, that eliminated the whining, crying, carping, and sometimes tussles... "Be happy with what you got... And make beautiful music with it.'

We used "be happy with what you got' for years. Still do sometimes.

[elleng]

4. Yes!