“Rather than demanding a restated request, I find that modeling it myself and moving on is both more humane and more effective. What would this look like? When your child says, “Dad, I need my boooooook!” . . . instead of “I need you to say that again in a stronger voice,” try “Dad, can you please grab me that book? Thank you so much.” Then “switch” and reply, “Oh sure, sweetie, no problem.” Deliver the book, take a deep breath, skip the lecture, trust your child to hear the difference and incorporate the change.”