[joelle]

how do you respond to a child who refuses to do what you ask?

[lucyjoy]

Part of it depends on the child's age. I often ask my child if they think what they're doing is a wise decision. If that doesn't work, I pick the six year old up and put him on my lap and he can plan on staying with me for the day so I can help him make good decisions. (I've also had older kids do this).

With some of the older kids, I "forget how to drive" so they have no rides anywhere. Have their brother do what I told them to do and then let them pay for it.

If it's persistant defiance, I empty their rooms, except their beds, and assume they want to be left alone since they're not behaving like a member of the family.

Take the rest of the kids out for ice cream.

Give the child an assignment and don't let them do anything else until its done.

Adjust the child's privledges to fit the age they're behaving.

Address it as a therapy problem.

[nancynic]

Hi,

It's a good question!

How old is the child?
What situations are you referring to?

Have you heard about natural and logical consequences?

How do you usually ask the child to do something?
What is your response when the child refuses?

Let's talk!

NancyNic