Dear Sample,

Have you ever noticed how strong-willed kids love to be told what to do? Yeah, they love it because it gives them a chance to get stubborn and to show us who's really the boss! All that's required for them to achieve their goal is to do the opposite of what we want, do it extremely slowly, or develop a severe case of temporary hearing loss.

It's often better not to run around telling children what to do because that usually invites rebellion. By using enforceable statements, you can turn your words into gold. Here are some examples of unenforceable statements with enforceable alternatives using Love and Logic.

Ineffective Technique		Love and Logic Technique
Please sit down. We're going to eat now.		We will eat as soon as you are seated.
Please be quiet. I can't listen to your brother when you are both talking at the same time.		I'll be glad to listen to you as soon as your brother has finished talking to me.
Don't talk while I'm reading to you.		I will start reading to you again as soon as you have finished talking.
You can't go play until you have finished your homework.		Feel free to go play as soon as you have finished your homework.
Don't shout at me.		I listen to people who do not yell at me.
Pay attention.		I'll start again as soon as I know you are with me.
Don't talk to me in that tone of voice!		I'll listen as soon as your voice is as calm as mine.
You show some respect.		I'll be glad to discuss this when respect is shown.

We understand that some kids and teens have a deeper, biological issue with defiance. To learn more about the brain types that include stubbornness and defiance, please join us for a LIVE webinar with Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD.

Dr. Amen is a world-renown neuropsychiatrist and longtime partner of Love and Logic. He and his wife have used Love and Logic for raising their children for decades. Dr. Fay has presented the Love and Logic messages to thousands of parents and educators. He has also published numerous Love and Logic books designed to help parents raise responsible, respectful kids.

Join Dr. Amen and Dr. Fay as they go live in our monthly live event for our Amen University MAX community. To sign up for your free 14-day trial of AU MAX, please CLICK HERE. You’ll notice Amen University has many courses focused on topics like ADD, insomnia, depression, and anxiety which could be very helpful for your family’s wellness journey.

With gratitude,

The Love and Logic and Amen University Teams

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