Parenting...O.K.?

What is one relatively small change to make in parenting that can reap big changes, or I should say improvements, in a child's behavior? Two letters: O and K. As in, stop putting "OK?" at the end of every statement or sentence!

Listen closely to yourself, or your spouse or partner, or other parents. How many times do you hear something like these examples?

• Pick up your toys, OK?
• It's time to start getting ready for bed...OK?
• We need to leave the park and go home now, OK?

You get the picture. And, when you throw in other similar "weak" directions, like "Are you ready to brush your teeth now?", or "Can you put your shoes on for me?", then it obviously sounds like children have a choice in their every move.

But, that's not so, is it? There are things we need them to do, and things that must be done sooner than later. Including "OK?" and other questions, instead of clear statements, merely gives a child the idea that they can say "No", or more likely, have behavior that indicates they believe we really don't mean what we're (trying) to say. Ask it as a question, and they are free to say (in words or actions)..."No."

So, a bit of parenting advice that can go a long way, but you really have to practice being direct. There's no time to start like right now, so go to it!