Have you ever had a child who won't stay on task unless you are there to make sure he does? Are you ever tempted to threaten negative consequences to try to motivate them to stay focused on their school work or chores?

Positive consequences for good choices and self-government motivate children way more than the prospect of negative consequences.

Child Behavior

I don't know a parent who wouldn't say, “My child is so smart!” We all recognize the intelligence our children possess. But, what about when they just can't stop themselves from blurting out all that intelligence when Mom is on a phone call, or when adults are having a conversation? Interrupting is a sign of a thinker. Smart people interrupt.

“Londyn,” fourteen year old Paije said. “You have to clean the griddle since you used it.”

Londyn replied with, “No, kitchen is your stewardship this week. You have to do it.”

“I had to wash the griddle when it was your stewardship, so you have to wash it now.” Paije countered.