You can touch the refrigerator or the dishwasher. No screaming while I'm on the phone. You can scream when I've hung up the phone or when you're outside. No ripping up the magazines. You can rip the scrap paper or the junk mail.
Most children respond well to such choices.
Occasionally, due to safety, time, money, or available energy, there are no acceptable alternatives. If that is the case, simply state the rule. If the child does not comply, give a consequence and follow through. This material has been adapted from Magic Tools for Raising Kids by Elizabeth Crary. Order a copy on our secure order form.