hold my hand

Dylan,

I picked up a new management tool from one of your teachers.

When I'm getting frustrated with you for refusing or delaying after I've asked you to go do something, rather than escalate my tone of voice or threaten consequences, I just say "why don't you hold my hand and we'll walk there together".

Your combativeness dissipates in a heartbeat. You take my hand, walk to wherever, and usually take care of business.


Dad

race ya

Dylan,

You're a budding competitor. Any time we want to encourage you to complete a task more quickly -- such as getting dressed or putting on your shoes -- we just have to challenge you to a race.

"I'm gonna race you...", we say". "No! I'm gonna race you!" we hear back.

You almost always win.


Dad

note

Dylan,

You told Mom tonight that you wanted her to write you a note. She told you to go get your bath ready. Before you put your jammies on, you found a note waiting for you in your room:

Trains and airplanes and things that "go"
Are the toys you favor

You spend your free time building track
With your daddy or your neighbor

Tonight before you go to sleep
Before you hit the sack

We'll read the book you chose today
About Thomas and a crack in the track

So put on your jammies and brush your teeth
And meet me in your room

We'll climb in bed and rest ourheads
And read by the light of the moon

I love you

Mommy

Dad

hunger

Dylan,

After too many meals where we've worked way too hard encouraging you to eat your food, I'm thinking you lack a useful understanding of the ramifications of not getting enough. I suppose you can't very well be expected to understand it if you've never had to go without.

We've never sent you to bed without dinner. Maybe we ought to keep that option open.


Dad

tools

Dylan,

Buy high quality tools.

There's a pretty significant spread between the cost of the cheap tools and the quality ones, but a good tool -- properly cared for -- can last you forever.

And poor quality tools lead inevitably to poor quality results.

Thanks for listening.


Dad