[Vicki_T]

I'm finding this thread depressing b/c I ask, tell, whatever and still get 'Noooooo!'

Originally Posted by sstarcake

This is a great thread. Eye opening, even. But what about the 3 year old that still says "NO!" to the direct command? That's where the 5 steps comes in, no?

The 5 steps in this house just end up looking like me (struggling to maintain my composure) physically dragging said 3 year old (who is doing the limp noodle thing, while whining "no....no....no....") around, cleaning up toys or whatever. Me holding her hand closed over the toy, then prying her hand open to release it into the box.....

This sounds more like us -except dd1 is 5.5

Originally Posted by Hermana Linda

You might also try, "The toys need to be picked up and put away now," and see if it works.

Or maybe, "I would like the toys picked up and put away now."

"Let's see how fast you can put all the toys away!" could also work.

It probably depends on the child and his or her mood at the time.

I don't think my dc have a tidying up mood