Today's Tip for Families

[En español]

09-25-2021

Put Requests to Your Child in Writing

You've told your child to clean up his room until you're out of breath. You've threatened and pleaded. But the dirty clothes and toys still cover the floor.

Instead of losing your cool, act like a teacher and give your child a written assignment. Leave a note on his door. You might write:

Dear Sweetie,
This room needs to be put back in order. Please put your clothes in the hamper. Put the toys on the shelf. Return dirty dishes to the kitchen. Thanks in advance.
Love,
Mom

Surprisingly, this method seems to work when nothing else will. Kids love getting notes. It makes them feel important. Notes can also be like checklists kids can follow. And, as one young person noted, the best thing about notes is that they "don't get any louder."


Brought to you by:

Gwinnett County Public Schools

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