- “Let’s practice our patience.”
- “I can’t understand you when you whine.”
- “Use your words.”
- “Do you see Bobby’s sweaty, crimson, tear-smeared face? Can you hear his primordial howls of fury? How do you think he feels right now?”
- “Do you think that was a gentle touch?”
- “Do you think that was a good choice?”
- “Are you looking forward to a cookie after supper tonight? That might be something to consider when weighing the pros and cons of ‘tapping’ your sister on the head again.”
- “Do you think there’s another small vehicle in the coffin-sized toy chest full of matchbox cars that might make you as happy as the missing red convertible corvette? Or no?”
- “It’s more polite to say ‘I don’t care for the thoughtfully prepared, well-balanced yet delicious meal you made for me’ rather than ‘I hate this dinner.’”
- “Are you being a good listener?”
- “Are you being a good cooperator?”
- “Resting your full weight by way of your knobby elbow into mummy’s tummy doesn’t feel very good.”
- “How would you feel if I sharpied all over your vintage silk duvet?”
- “Let’s try taking a deep breath.”
- “Mummy’s feeling a little frustrated.”
- “Do you think Susie likes it when you spit into her ear?”
- “I’m not sure that’s a very nice way to talk to me.”
- “One. Two. Three.”
Cheers.