I find myself periodically in this space. I’m wrangling to keep my kids on task during the crunch time of work/day evenings. We’re working to stay on schedule to meet a goal, in this case lights out in time for a good night’s sleep.

As they seem to wander to and fro, distracted, my guiding tone goes from pleasant to terse, insistent, firm.

I try hard not to yell. I recall I didn’t like to hear yelling as a kid myself. But I do get more firm; I remind them of consequences to behavior.

Sometimes I think I’m being harsh. Every time that comes to mind, most every time there’s a shift in my own thinking, patience level, I try to pause, and check myself.

They’re just kids learning, living, growing up. They benefit from guidance, especially when a time schedule is involved; but if they stay generally on task, that’s the main goal.

Those are the two take-aways:

Check firm, make sure it’s not harsh;.

Remind them of the goal (what ever it is) that’s linked to the schedule being imposed.

Ah yes, and remember, they’re just kids learning.