The most effective way to get kids to stop quarrelling is to get them to cooperate. You can do that most easily by enjoying their quarrel. When your children start to quarrel, simply sit down and obviously enjoy the moment. Eat a bag of popcorn while you sit and watch them; video tape the argument; or call someone from the other room to sit and watch the show with you. Your children will soon be cooperating with each other in keeping you from enjoying their mischief.
My kids quarrel all the time. How do I get them to stop? (click to read answer...)
I spend a lot of time trying to get my son to do his homework. I’m continually frustrated with him. He procrastinates doing his homework every night until the last moment. (click to read answer...)
There are a few things you can do to turn the responsibility of his homework over to him. Realize that it his homework is HIS responsibility and therefore anything you do to take his responsibility from him will feel intrusive to him.
Make a contract with him about the time by which he will have his homework done every night and what he would be willing to give up if he waits too long do his assignments. Also, what he will gain by having his assignments done at the agreed upon time; ie, time on the computer or video game time.
Tell him that you are going to turn the responsibility of his homework over to him and then completely back off of reminding him about his homework and allow him to deal with the consequences of the resulting behavior. Remember to not say anything to him about what is happening to his grade that would negate the lessons he is learning.
Validate that homework is hard or boring and then with as smile and a pat on the head leave your son with his homework to do on his own.
My four-year-old will not go to bed. It takes forever to get her to bed and then she won’t stay there. She wants me to stay with her and if I leave she is constantly coming out of the room for various reasons. I just want a little me time. (click to read answer...)
Make sure that you are validating any fears your child may have about going to bed, night time and the fact that she may sense your urgency about having her tucked safely into bed so that you can have some me-time. Next, set up a bedtime ritual with her that will help her unwind and recognize the importance of the order of bedtime. You may join her with the ritual by brushing your teeth when she brushes hers or reading stories together or saying bedtime prayers.
Make an agreement with her about quietly staying in her bed after bedtime. Next, set up a logical consequence with her if she doesn’t keep her agreement about staying in her bed such as she will help you with breakfast dishes the next morning or that she will go make an “I’m sorry” card for you the next day.