Teaching children to ask for what they want

Dr. John Gray offers suggestions for parents to teach kids to ask for what they want
Parenting Advice | Teaching children to ask for what they want
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Teaching children to ask for what they want

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One of the most important skills in life is how to ask for what we want. I remember as a child, I remember, how can I say this without upsetting people? So I would say nothing, because nobody taught me how to ask for what I want. Until I realized that most kids as well as adults will tend to complain when they have a need that's not being met. And they'll just complain, rather than identify the need, what is it you want, and then frame it as a question. Turn your complaints into questions. So sometimes when my children would complain, without even saying, let's correct that, I would just rephrase what they say. So one of my daughters would say, daddy I don't want you in my room. Oh daddy, would you please leave my room? And then leave the room. Just give them the language. They don't have a way of saying it. So if we learn and model how to ask for things ourselves, our children gradually learn.

Dr. John Gray offers suggestions for parents to teach kids to ask for what they want

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Expert Bio

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John Gray, PhD

Best-Selling Author

John Gray is the leading relationship expert in the world. His relationship and health books have sold over 50 million copies in 50 different languages. His groundbreaking book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, is the best-selling non-fiction book of all time.

John helps men and women better understand and respect their differences in both personal and professional relationships. His approach combines specific communication techniques with healthy, nutritional choices that create the brain and body chemistry for lasting health, happiness and romance. His many books, videos, workshops and seminars provide practical insights to effectively manage stress and improve relationships at all stages of life and love.

John also travels the world teaching communities and companies the best ways to improve their relationships and communication. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show many times as well as The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The View, and many others. He has been profiled in Time, Forbes, USA Today and People.

John Gray lives in Northern California with his wife of 29 years, Bonnie. They have three grown daughters and four grandchildren. He is an avid follower of his own health and relationship advice.

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