Here is a list of the buzz words I use all the time, and when and why they're helpful:
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Get strong"; Instead of '
Hurry up and and do what you're supposed to do already!' this one leaves you both with a renewed sense of strength.
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Make good choices"; When your kiddo is doing something other than the assigned task it's a quick and easy reminder to them that they CAN make good choice about what they do.
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Try again"; I use this one a lot - when they don't answer properly, do sloppy jumping jacks, do a task differently than what I instructed, etc. Keep repeating it (blandly) until they get it A+.
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Good job with your ___"; Jumping jacks, strong sitting, dish clearing, floor sweeping, etc. Combined with a hug or high five it's another way to add some more positives and healthy touch to your child's life.
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Good job telling the truth"; When our kiddos get strong enough to tell the truth about what they've done, it's important not to thank them - saying thank you implies that they have done it for
you; telling the truth is something they need to do for
themselves, to help their own hearts get stronger.
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Good choice"; When your child decides to walk rather than be carried to their room, picks up something they've thrown, stopped themselves from interrupting, etc. mildly comment on it. Again, awesome parents, a quick hug here is excellent if you are withing arms reach of them!
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Poor choice"; I use this instead of
bad choice. Our kiddos already feel like they're bad inside, and we want them to know we believe there is a good kid inside that is making some poor choices. NOT a bad kid acting like bad kids act.
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Take your time"; RAD kids L-O-V-E to waste time. If people got paid for time wasting our kids would be millionaires. When I give a child an instruction and they don't hop to it I tell them, 'Take you time',
and turn away. Let them realize they are only wasting their own time.
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Not a problem/No problem"; The unsaid part of this phrase is 'for me' :) It might pose a problem for your kiddo, but distance yourself from it and let them learn the life skill of problem solving! I use this when they tell me they aren't going to do their job, refuse to cooperate, etc. Say it and then walk away or stick your nose back into your favourite book.
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How sad for you"; Our kids are all like little Eeyore - doom and gloom I-can't-do-anything kinda kids. Empathize with them and let them realize that you really are sad about the choices they have made. End of discussion.
