Ah, the dreaded “Do Not” – the language of the negative, the underminer of positive vibes. Picture this: You’re in a waiting room, staring at a sign that screams at you in all caps, and you can’t help but feel a wave of negativity wash over you. But fear not! We’re about to dive into the world of positively stated expectations and turn that frown upside down!
The Waiting Room Flashback
Ever been in a training session and felt the weight of a negatively stated request like “Don’t put your paper scraps in the garbage”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Kids, with their ever-developing language skills, often miss the memo on negatives, leading to confusion and, you guessed it, defensive mode activated. Cue the power struggle because who doesn’t love a good Tug-of-War?
The Capital Letters Conundrum
Now, about that sign on the chair written in capital letters – what’s the message there? Yelling? Intimidation? We’ve all accidentally hit the caps lock key in an email, only to be accused of yelling. Lesson learned, thanks to a paraprofessional who enlightened me on the unwritten social media rules.
Picture This: The Positive Power of Images
Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words, especially for our little ones. Picture boards have been saving the day in schools for ages. When words fail, a simple point to a picture can communicate expectations effortlessly. It’s a game-changer for nonverbal children and a sanity-saver during those teeth-brushing power struggles.
Rewriting the Script: Positivity in Action
Now, let’s talk more about that “DO NOT SIT HERE” sign. Instead of sending out negative vibes, how about a positive twist? “Please sit to my right or my left,” or “Use the next chair over.” See? Telling kids what to do rather than what not to do creates a happier environment at home and school.
For our little ones, it’s all about positively stated expectations:
– Don’t hurt your sister. Use gentle touches.
– Stop yelling. Use your inside voice.
– Don’t take his toy away. Share nicely.
– Stop your whining. Use your big kid voice.
– Do not run. Please walk.
And for the older kids, toss in some longer sentences:
– “Do not take out more toys until you pick up these” becomes “Please put these toys away so you can take out more.”
Conclusion: Positivity Prevails
In the grand scheme of things, positivity wins. So, let’s ditch the negatives, embrace the positives, and create a world where expectations are stated with a smile. Parents, educators, and everyone in between – positivity is the name of the game! For more tips on using positively stated expectations at home, check out our guide [here](link to the guide). Happy, positive vibes to all! 🌟
