Wait for 5 elephants!

One elephant, two elephants, three elephants…

So often when we ask our children to do something we expect instant results. This is not realistic. Children need a little time to hear and process the request before responding.

Instead of asking your child to do something and then immediately getting impatient that they have not started to do it yet, try making your request and then count to 5 elephants in your head before saying anything else. This will allow your child to process your request and act. Of course they may still decide not to act in which case counting will help to keep you calmer! So get counting those elephants!