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Premature Thanks

• Use this when you need a child to listen without an argument.
• If you say "thanks" after you make a request and then walk away, as if the children already accomplished the task you're asking them to do, it often encourages them to do it and not argue.



• Children want to feel like you trust them, so if you quietly ask them to do something, say thanks, and walk away, the results are often positive... with NO fight.

Base your answer to the following question on the information regarding "Premature Thanks."

Which of the following statements BEST represents the concept of "Premature Thanks?"

Counselors approach the children with anger and frustration, thinking that if they appear more annoyed when "thanking" the children, that they will be more responsive.

If you need the children to listen, and don't want to argue with them, then you will not thank them until they accomplish the task you are asking of them. Then they know they have to perform in order to receive praise.

The idea is to get the children to feel like you "trust" that they will listen to your request. Therefore, thanking them before they actually accomplish the task and then walking away makes the children feel as if you think they are competent enough to do the task without you hovering over them.

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