How to Teach a Child Cooperation

Every parent hates nagging to get a child to cooperate. It's never too late to begin teaching kids this fundamental socialization skill. Parents who teach their kids cooperation and responsibility are giving them skills that will affect their progress in school and life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Listen carefully to the child and make sure that you understand what he is really saying. Consistently modeling this behavior will teach the child to do the same.
2. Ask the child to think of a solution when a conflict arises. This will help the child develop the ability to settle disputes in a way that satisfies everybody.
3. Reverse roles with the child. If what she is asking for is unreasonable or not in the family budget, ask her to assume your role and allow the child to work out the other person's point of view.
4. Praise the child when you see him cooperating. This reinforces what the child has learned and provides encouragement.
5. Give choices as an effective way to enlist a kid's cooperation. Kids love having the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and this will make them much more likely to comply with your request.

Tips & Warnings

• Kids can handle choices differently at different stages of life. A toddler will likely only be able to understand two choices. A grade school age child should be able to handle three or four, but don't offer too many and confuse everybody.