QuikTips by Subject:The Think Space
The Think Space is a plan to help children take responsibility for their own behavioral choices while offering adults a safe and responsible way to remove themselves from the emotional loop of misbehavior. QuikTips Bundles
QuikTips is a series of short, practical articles that feature easy-to-use tools for low-stress child management. Bundled in small packets, and arranged by topic for easy reference. Main Menu
Everything you say to a child either builds him up or tears him down. |
What are QuikTips?QuikTips is a series of short, practical articles, written by Calvin and Carolyn Richert, that feature easy-to-use tools for low-stress child management. All techniques presented meet strict scientific and ethical guidelines and have been carefully "road-tested" for effectiveness in everyday use. Every method is thoroughly positive and, when used as intended, can help children develop skills of self-management, confidence, empathy and the many other positive character qualities needed in becoming well-adjusted, productive adults. Also available for purchase: QuikTips Bundles are pre-printed small packets, arranged by topic for easy reference. Motivating Children
Part One of Two on Positive Leadership"If you don't come right now, I'm going to leave you here!" 
Now, you're not going to do that...and Kisha knows it. So, why DO you say things like that? I know. You think that the threat of negative consequences will help her listen. But do they? Maybe, in the short run, but definitely not in the long run! Read more: Threats & Warnings: Underminers of Parental Leadership (1 of 2)
Part Two of Two on Positive Leadership
If threats and warnings are underminers of parental leadership, as we suggested in last month's article, then today's parents must be in a world of hurt. And they are! It's a well-known fact that in many (if not most) school classrooms, 75% - 80% of the day is spent on disciplinary issues. The same thing is probably true in the homes of those children. Why is that? Read more: Replacing Threats & Warnings: Parental Leadership Turned Positive (2 of 2)
Here's a great question that we recently received over the internet. THE QUESTION: "How do you get kids to get ready to go places without constant reminders / nagging / yelling?" 
OUR RESPONSE: * This may seem radical, but it is totally logical and the consequences are totally natural. You will only need to do this exercise one or two times with most children, but everyone will benefit for years to come.
Is bedtime a hassle in your home? We are frequently asked about that, so here's a 5-star plan for helping children go to bed willingly, without threats or bribes. The same plan works, whether for naps or night sleep. We love it and you will too.
The Cost of Fun - Part 1 of 4
More and more studies show that punishing misbehavior - especially in children - almost always does more to encourage a misbehavior than to correct it! But, why does punishment work that way? There are at least four basic weaknesses in the practice of punishing a child for misbehavior. In this article we will treat just one. The others will come later.
To do the same thing again! - Part 2 of 4
A Foundation of Fear - Part 3 of 4As an energetic four-year-old waits impatiently for his food, he blurts out, "Mom, why are you so slow? " Instinctively, Mom returns with, "Sam, you'd better change your attitude right now before I send you to your room without any supper at all! " 
And so begins an ugly exchange that, in fact, ends up with a punishment -- the child is sent to his room without supper.
How To Treat Other People - Part 4 of 4The famous poem, “Children Learn What They Live,”* begins, 
• “If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. • “If he lives with hostility, he learns to fight,” and so on. If we would relate such thinking to punishment, that line might read, |
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A frustrated mother quizzed us, "Why does my older daughter keep using her younger sister's clothes without asking, even though we consistently punish her for it? "