“Do I have to?” How many times have you heard your child use this phrase? Too many times to count? Would you like to change that? You can! How we use language makes a positive or negative difference in our lives. So teach your kids to choose their words carefully and you’ll be shaping their future. Here are three laws that can turn your child’s “Do I have to?” into a “Do I get to?”

The Law of Attitude - Attitudes are self-determining. Lead with attitude by modeling a positive one. When your children ask “Why do I have to…(fill in the blank)? Respond by saying, “Because you get to!”

Institute a new House Rule: From now we will no longer use the phrases “Do I have to?” or “You have to.” Instead we will all say, “Do I get to?” and “You get to.”

Reinforce a positive attitude with positive feedback. Have a family Attitude Bank and put a quarter in each time someone in the family says “I get to,” instead of “I have to.” Take a quarter out each time someone forgets. Explain that a negative attitude costs and a positive attitude pays. At the end of each month take time to celebrate your earnings by doing something fun together. Or give your child the money they have earned with their positive attitude.

The Law of Expectation – Expectations are self-determining. Choose the expectations you want your children to have by affirming these. Visualize positive outcomes for your children and express them. For example, “By the time the Spring Recital gets here you will have learned so much, and you’ll get to share that with others!”

The Law of Choice – The act of choosing is self-determining. Ask your child who is complaining, “How do you want to feel about keeping a commitment to yourself?” Then tell your child something you are going to do today to keep your commitments to them. Then model this. Keep modeling it.

Remember, you have the power to shape the future and help your children reach their dreams. So don't wait to do it!

For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You’ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f’ree internet newsletter so you can download f’ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions.

These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com

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