How do you teach your children w/o being a nag?

It's mostly with the proper way of speaking english but it is with other things as well. They don't say, "enough mommy, leave me alone". It's just me. I feel like I don't stop nagging them, but all I'm trying to do is teach them the right way. I let things go sometimes, so I won't feel like I'm constantly nagging them, but any other tips? Thanks

Executive Member Joined: Sep 11 2008 Posts: 329

Not sure how old your kids are but here are some generic ideas
1. Read out loud to them. Can be before bedtime or other set time during the day. Pick well written books with a compelling story that they will want to keep hearing.
2. Play verbal games - look up jump rope games, clapping games and car ride games. "A my name is Alice", "Miss Mary Mack" (a quick google found: http://www.beachnet.com/~jeanettem/chants.html) - maybe there is a video about how to do the clapping.
3. Set a good example - always speak grammatical English when you are with the kids and try to use big words. When you use a big word, ask if they understand it and if not explain what it means.

Diamond Member Joined: Mar 11 2010 Posts: 3058

I repeat it and emphasize the correction. Every once in a while I'll state the rule: "Can I" means "Am I able?" "There's no such word as anyways." But only every so often and it goes over quickly.

If a child says, "Can I go outside?" I answer, "May I go outside? Yes."

Or, "I don't feel good." I say, "You don't feel well? Poor thing."

Don't make them nuts, if they hear you say this they'll pick it up over time.

Platinum Member Joined: May 06 2007 Posts: 8512

Would LOVE some ideas!!!
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Just Plain Frum!

Platinum Member Joined: May 06 2007 Posts: 8512

Anyone have general ideas? I have to work on my child with his handwriting (he gets OT but only once a week and we get homework for it) and it's really hard. I have pretty perfect handwriting - I'm a teacher, and it's hard for us because he doesn't want to do it and I want to help him. It's become a tug of war.

I'd have dh help but he has atrocious handwriting and doesn't even know what it's supposed to look like!