1. Make eye contact
?I can call, ?Come for dinner!? repeatedly from another room, but if I go right up and look them in the eye and say, ?Hi! Please come for dinner now,? they?ll look up and say, ?Oh, OK.?? says Montreal mom Sarah Lavigne.
2. Describe the problem
It can take the heat out of a situation if you focus on what needs to happen as opposed to kids? shortcomings. Rather than ?How many times do I have to tell you to pick up your clothes"? say, ?I see clothes on the floor.? Or try giving info instead of orders: ?Wet towels belong on the rack, not on your bed? rather than ?Hang up your towel!?
3. Say it with a word
?The more I explain, the more zoned out she gets,? says Victoria Stacey of her six-year-old, Frances. ?So, instead of, ?I worked all day and spent three hours making dinner and now I have to tidy up the whole kitchen and I?m only asking you to bring in your plate,? I?ll say, ?Frances, your plate.? It?s much more effective.?  .related-article-block{display:inline-block;width:300px;padding:0.5rem;margin-left:0.5rem;float:right;border:1px solid #ccc}@media (max-width: 525px){.related-article-block{float:none;display:block;width:280px;margin:0 auto 2rem}}

How to stop your child's whining

4. Write a note
Some kids might react more co-operatively to a written list (or one with pictures) than a verbal one. Hand him a checklist with ?Breakfast, get dressed, make bed, brush teeth? to see if it prevents your nagging and his stalling.
5. Tell them what you?re ...