Questions Imply Choice

Be careful to only use questions when you want to consider your child’s opinion in a matter. When you ask your children a question, it implies that you would like a response from them and that their response may have an effect on the matter at hand. If this is not the case, use a statement instead of a question.

These are some questions which probably should be statements:

• Are you getting ready for school?
• Isn’t it time to turn that off?
• We’re going to leave in five minutes, ok?
• Do you think it’s time to get ready for bed?
• Don’t you think you’ve had enough?

This week pay attention to how you make requests to your children. Are you using questions when you really do not want to be giving your children a choice? If so, switch to statements!