A parenting philosophy I have adopted and used with variable amounts of success for many years is “put it in a positive statement instead of negative” when crafting rules and limits.  Obviously, the idea behind it involves being clear about what behavior is expected and desired, instead of dwelling on the behavior I want to prevent.

 

EXAMPLES

‘No jumping on the top bunk’ versus ‘walk on your knees and sit down on the top bunk.’

 

‘No running into the street’ versus ‘hold hands with Mama when you cross the street.’

 

‘Stop screaming and whining and driving me crazy’ versus, ‘go outside and run around the house ten times.’

Anyway, I guess this is really what’s behind discarding notions.  I have some desired behavior for myself…