Ineffective Instructions 2 - Chained Instructions

This is the second of seven instruction blunders to avoid.
Chained Instructions: stringing or chaining too many commands together.

For example:
"Johnny, feed the dog, and then do your homework, and then take out the garbage, and then put the dishes away, and then take a shower, brush your teeth, and go to bed.”

If more than 2 instructions are given, children will lose track and won’t be able to pay attention to the entire string. You’ll be lucky if the first command is completed. We all have short-term memory limits :-)

*********************************************************************

Instructions should be clear, succinct, one at a time (2 max), and with enough time for a person to follow up.

For day to day tasks, stick to a routine so that over time, individual instructions become less necessary. For a “good night routine”, a young child (age 3-6) may require the task by task guidance (bath, pj’s, teeth, potty, book, bed). But over time, a simple “It’s time for good night” will set the “train in motion”.

For older kids, ADHD kids, or special occasions where you are out, write the instructions down if you have several things that need to be done. You will be clearer and they will have a tool to use to remember. Similar to the way that adults find grocery lists helpful.

Post a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Beverly Dolenz Walsh
Life and Family Coach

Imagine Your Life...Then Live It!

Ineffective Instructions 1 - Buried Instructions

This is the first of seven instruction tips. It has close ties to the first parent tip - Talk Less.

Buried instructions: instructions that are followed by too much talking. The talking usually involves lots of explaining or rationalizing about why something should be done. It can also take the form of fussing or criticizing after the command is given.

For example:
"Johnny, do your homework. You know how important homework is. You want to be successful don't you? And you know what a busy week you have ahead of you and you get so stressed. "

or

"Jane, clean your room. You are such a slob. I don't know how you can stand to live in this pig pen. You are always such a mess."

*********************************************************************

Instructions should be clear, succint, one at a time (2 max), and with enough time for a person to follow up. Stating instructions like they are rules can be especially helpful for younger children.

For example:
"Johnny, it's 4:30. Time for homework."

"Jane, hang your clothes in the closet. Put your shoes in the closet too."

*********************************************************************

Try it and then post a comment about how it works out for you.