How do you discipline your child when she tattles for attention? Do your shoulders sag? Is she driving you crazy? Perhaps it's time to slow down and ask yourself, "Why is she tattling so much? "What's she getting out of tattling that's positive?"
Why Lori Tattles and What She Wants:
In our last blog, you found out that your Lori tattled on her brother, Ralph, to get your attention. She wanted to prove to her brother and herself that you'd take her side. She wanted to prove you loved her best.
How can Lori Get What She Wants without Tattling?
You know giving Lori more attention than her brother isn't good. You know that loving Lori more than her brother isn't good either. Here are 4 questions that will lessen Lori's tattling and give her attention.
- "Why are you coming to me?"
- "Do you want to get Ralph in trouble?"
- "How will that help you?"
- "What are better ways to solve your problem with Ralph?
After Lori answers the above questions, give her the task below.
Discipline for Tattle Tales Who Want Attention:
Tell Lori to write out her solutions for solving her problems with Ralph. Tell her to bring those written solutions to you. If she's too young for writing, tell her to draw her solutions.
If the solutions are acceptable, ask Ralph to come. Tell Lori and Ralph to act out each solution. In this way, Lori will be solving her problems and getting your attention too.
At other times, catch each child being good when they play nicely together. Use compliments. They'll both feel loved by you.
In our next blog, we'll look at suggestions and solutions when your David tattles for power. In the meantime, share your solutions for stopping Lori from tattling in the comments section below.
Our future blogs will deal with tattling for power, revenge, and weakness. To make sure you get them, sign up at Parenting Skills Blog and receive them in your email.
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