First Time Obedience

My little buddy.

I love this boy.

HOWEVER, with the new addition of little sister, we've had some adjusting to do.

Listening has been one of our biggest struggles.

I found myself asking him to do something over and over again.

I was so over counting to 3 or threatening punishment.

This would end in frustration and tears for us both.

And several calls and text to daddy.

I had read about first time obedience from a friend of mine and she recently posted about it again.

I had begun working on first time obedience but was having trouble with the follow through. 

However, with a little positive reinforcement it's really started to click.

It goes a little something like this:

ME: Easton, can you please get your toys picked up in your room so we can have lunch?

Easton: raises eyebrow and frowns as if to tell me no.

ME: Yes ma'am (and begin to help him with whatever the task is)

Thank you for doing that the first time I asked.

Something so simple, yet so effective.

For an entire day, I'd do this, every time I needed his help.

By lunch time the second day, he was doing it on his own.

He'd do what I had asked and then with a big smile look up and say 'one time, mommy?'

He knew he'd done the right thing!

I'd praise him for it and we went on about our day.

Some days we still have trouble, but it doesn't take long for him to remember.

It's also a nice reminder to me that raising my voice really isn't necessary.

As my nana has told me, speak softly.

It's amazing how just some positive reinforcement and a kind tone work wonders!