3 Steps to Compliance

I didn't realize it had been so long since I have posted on this blog - I am a little embarrassed about it, but here goes. This blog will kind of feed into another one that I wrote earlier about following directions, in fact it might even repeat, but I believe it bears repeating.

I teach what I call '3 Steps to Compliance' to reprogram children to follow directions.

Step 1 - Give the direction and wait to see if they comply (usually no more than a minute). If they do not comply, move to step 2.
Step 2 - Simply state, "That was a direction." Make eye contact with them and walk away (again allowing only about a minute.) If still no compliance, move to step 3.
Step 3 - Simply state - "What was the direction I gave you?" When they repeat it, praise them for listening and a simple encouragement 'oh good, you did hear it, move along and follow my direction.' Should be enough. Honestly, most of the families that I have had put this into practice, never have to move onto step 3.

The families I have worked with who have put this into practice, cannot believe how easy it is. I explain in changing the way that directions are being given, they are in a sense, reprogramming their children. Children in this day and age (especially those who do not seem to follow directions when asked) are not really listening - they are listening to when Mom yells or when Dad's voice tone changes or even when a parent threatens a consequence. Then they know their parents mean business. It doesn't have to be that way.

Try it - 3 Steps to Compliance, it works.