Lesson 16: Learn to count

Learn to count.  Don't worry.  You don't have to count very high...5 or 10 at the most.  Most parents are familiar with the practice of counting to 3 when the child decides to "test" their limits.  However, for those of us who have kids in the 7-13 range who suffer from the inability to make a decision, counting works fabulously!  I give Ean to the count of 5 before I make a decision for him.  If he can't decide what he wants at a restaurant, he has to the count of 5.  If he can't decide what he wants to drink, he has to the count of 5.  If he can't decide which toy or book, he has to the count of 5.  See the pattern?  If you want a little extra lesson learning (for the kiddies), when you make a decision for them, choose what you know they would not want.  It works especially well in teaching them that you are serious in your counting.  It may sound cruel and mean, but boy, is it effective!!!