Do you want to stop sounding like a broken record? Have you been told you are nagging too much? Here are seven ways to stop nagging, but also bring results.
One goal at a time
Give each member of your family a chore to do. Write it down on a piece of paper what you clearly want done, when you expect it to be finished, how it should look at the end, and what the consequences will be.
Use Visuals
Cut out pictures from magazine to use for your specific purpose. For example, I tape a picture of an organized, beautiful, and neat bedroom on my daughter's door to remind her that's what I want her room to look like.
Direct communication
Sugar-coating in your plead for help will not bring result. Instead of “if you are doing anything, will you clear the table”, say “Please clear the table when you are done.” Your message is clear and direct.
Mono-task
While on the phone, or making dinner, you can look for help by get their attention, and directly tell your child or your partner to “feed the dog now, please”. Use your mono-tone to get result.
Take Action
If you are working late, and want dinner on the table, put out an easy recipe, and a list of the menu such as chicken, rice, and salad to encourage your partner or child to carry it out. If you want the floor sweep, attach a note to the broom: “Use me, the floor needs clean up.”
Show a distinctive gratitude
If the chores or tasks are done, show your gratitude in a loud way. Make a distinctive gesture to show how much you appreciate his/her consideration, and helping out.
Get Help
Children, especially, listen to one parent better than the other. Enlist the help of the more disciplinarian figure to get things done.
These are just simple ways to get things done if you want to stop sounding like a broken record. I found that using visual, mono-tasking, and taking action work best in my home.
