PARENTING TIP

Never add the word "OKAY" on to the end of your sentence when you are speaking to your child.

Examples:

Pick up your room, OKAY?
Set the table now, OKAY?
Get off the phone, OKAY?
Brush your teeth, OKAY?
Be home by 10:00, OKAY?

How many times have you done this and your kid says, "No." Seriously...What are we thinking? Look how much better this works:

Pick up your room.
Set the table now.
Get off the phone.
Brush your teeth.
Be home by 10:00.

Then, if your two year old says, "NO" (That one is for you, Jen!) you can calmly reply, "It's not optional."