The 5-Second Discipline Fix

Rephrase Your Requests

You'll get fast results when you stick to the facts, so we've got suggestions for easy ways to say what you mean.

Instead of: "Your room is a mess. Would you take five minutes to get all those clothes off the floor?"
Say: "If your clothes aren't in the hamper, they won't get washed. Take five minutes to toss them in, please."

Instead of: "Are you going to feed the fish?"
Say: "Those fish look hungry. It's time to feed them."

Instead of: "Can we turn off the TV and do something else for a change?"
Say: "This show is over. It's time for playing with your blocks or going outside."

Instead of: "Would you put on your sneakers? We're late."
Say: "Your sneakers need to be on. We're late."