Did you know that asking "what" instead of "why" is more effective for addressing misbehaviors?
When a child makes a bad choice, it can be so easy to react with the question, "Why did you do that?" The problem with this question is that it can tend to have a very judgmental or shaming tone that focuses on the child´s errors and typically leads to a debate, with your child explaining and trying to justify a bad choice. Instead, ask your child, "What happened?" Let them state the facts and ask them what they might do differently in the future to experience more positive consequences. After this more positive interaction, you will both feel better, with self-esteem intact, and your child will have flexed some muscle that will serve them better next time.
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