The power of a note

Last night I was wiping down the kitchen counter and came across bits and pieces of things that belonged to the kids.  I decided to put everything into one little pile.  I rested a note on it that read:  “Claire and Marc ~ Can you please put these things away?  Love, Mom”

At the time I put my little pile together both the kids were out but came home together shortly after.  Within 15 minutes everything was dealt with.  It was painless.  I didn’t have to nag or lecture or yell. 

I remember when I was leading the course “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, one of the many ways they suggested to get our kids to do what we ask is to write a note.  It’s not something I remember to do very often but I was reminded last night how effective it is. 

When my kids do something in a timely and/or efficient manner I like to acknowledge them.  They were so quick to respond to my request I felt they deserved to be acknowledged with a simple “Thank you for putting your things away so quickly.”