How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 (The How To Talk Series)

by Joanna Faber

REMINDER: Cleanup 1. Be Playful (Shoes talking.) “Pretty please, put me in the closet with my friends.” “How many minutes will it take to toss all the Legos into the bucket? You can set the timer. Ready . . . set . . . GO!” 2. Offer a Choice “Do you want to be in charge of putting away the books or the cars?” 3. Write a Note “Please hang me on the hook. Love, Your Coat.” 4. Describe What You See “I see orange peels on the floor.” 5. Give Information “Peels belong in the compost.” 6. Say It with a Word “Coat!” “Peels!” “Shoes!” 7. Describe Progress “You got that whole pile of dirty laundry in the basket! All that’s left to put away are the cars and books.” 8. Describe What You See with Appreciation “Wow, look at this big cleanup you did. The floor was covered with dirty laundry and train tracks, and now it’s a pleasure to walk on!”