An Awesome Alternative to Nagging
By Paula Fellingham

Mom was worn out. She had four active children who were normal kids - obedient most of the time - but way more concerned about playing and being with their friends than doing their chores after school. It seems like every day is the same: Mom has to remind her children over and over again to do their after-school chores and their homework. Parents, what’s an alternative for nagging?

This is such a common parenting challenge. What are alternatives for nagging? Here’s one “magical” solution:
Most children love getting notes - little letters from their parents or friends. Just keep a pad and a pencil on your kitchen counter. When you see things your children should be doing - their chores - piano practicing - homework - instead of nagging them, write to them!
Examples:
If your child should be practicing the piano, there could be a note posted on the piano keys which reads: “Melanie, sit down and play me....we have such a good time together! Love, Your Piano.”
If your child should be folding papers for his paper route you could put a note on the top of the paper pile which reads, “Hurry Nathan! I’m dying to be folded!”
If your daughter leaves a messy kitchen after preparing an after-school sandwich she might find a note which says, “Dear Katie, The kitchen counter wants to be clean before we start using it again to prepare dinner. Love, Mom.”
Several times each week parents find themselves in situations where children have heard them make the same request so often they’ve tuned their parents out. At these moments, sometimes it takes less out of us to pick up a pencil than to open our mouths. And sending notes has other benefits: it’s creative parenting; notes are quick easy ways to get through to our children; and they don’t get any louder!

Paula Fellingham is an internationally-acclaimed speaker, the author of 5 books, and the mother of 7 children. She has spoken at the United Nations and at conferences across the globe for over 30 years. Paula is a former radio talk show host and newspaper columnist. She is currently the CEO of The Women’s Information Network, www.TheWINonline.com. Paula’s mission is to strengthen women and families worldwide.