how do I break the tone

[luvmyfam444]

that my dd uses? Of course she has learned it from us (me mainly) but she uses it on her little sister & so now I know what I sound like - it's awful - but how do I break it???

 

[mickeyboat]

that my dd uses? Of course she has learned it from us (me mainly) but she uses it on her little sister & so now I know what I sound like - it's awful - but how do I break it???

My DD's do it to each other, too. Makes me feel pretty bad about the tone I use with them, sometimes.

When I hear it I remind them that I am the mother, not them, and that they should not be talking to one another, or anyone else, that way. They can use their words to talk to one another to resolve whatever issue they are having. If they need help, I can help them.

Another suggestion, which I need to work on myself, is to adjust the tone you are using with them. I find that my kids actually behave better when I gently remind them of the set consequences for their actions, rather than when I rant and yell at them about doing something. This morning I had asked them three times to come and eat breakfast, while they were playing UNO. Finally I told them that if they were not in the kitchen by the time I counted to 5, they were going to bed 15 minutes early (the set punishment for not cooperating in the morning). I didn't even make it to 2.

I also have had to be much less sarcastic with them. The other morning I told Emily she needed to come in the bathroom and get ready. She was resisting, and I threatened with the set punishment. Finally instead of instituting the punishment, I told her fine, do whatever you want - which she promptly did. Then I tried to institute the punishment and she said "but you said I could od whatever I want." Sarcasm is lost on a 5 year old.

Good luck to you.

Denae