Teaching Kids Responsibility: Ask The Right Questions

In a previous post we discussed the difference between an “Asking Parent” and a “Telling Parent.”
That means instead of telling kids what to do all the time we should ask them questions that
will teach them to be responsible, cooperate and involved in coming up with solutions for their everyday problems.

A “Telling” parents uses commands to communicate with their children This takes away a child’s to think
independently and creates conflict and power struggles.

An “Asking Parent” uses thinking questions to involve their child in making good decisions
and owning their behavior. These parents use questions to help children feel needed,
important and in charge of themselves.

Because of the great response to my last article on this subject, I was asked to give more examples on
using this great skill.
Below you will find some new comics on how to utilize this technique:

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Parents often have a hard time asking for input from their kids. But when they do they are always
pleasantly surprised with the way kids can monitor their own behavior, improve their ability cooperate
and be in charge of themselves and their jobs.

Let’s empower our kids and help them be responsible by asking them to help think of their own solutions to their problems.
Being an “Asking Parent” can help us do just that.

Nelsen, J. (2006). Positive Discipline. NY. Random House.

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