08/28/2026
Have you read all the parenting tips and tricks and still feel unsure where to start?
If we had to narrow it down, these are three of the biggest things we, as psychologists, would want families of young children to focus on:
1. Give your child guaranteed, undivided attention every day. Even five minutes where they have your full attention and are completely in charge of the play can be powerful. No questions, commands, correcting, or trying to teach. Just follow their lead.
2. Use forced-choice follow-through from the start. Phrase demands so your child knows exactly what will happen: “It’s time to go potty. You can walk, or I will carry you to the bathroom.” If they don’t walk, calmly and immediately carry them. Once you begin helping, follow through to completion. No repeating yourself five times first, and no putting them back down because they protest. The choice is how they do it, not whether it happens.
3. Pre-teach the plan. Tell your child ahead of time what you expect, what will happen, and how you will respond. This can include transitions, routines, expectations, rewards, consequences, or a new way you plan to handle a behavior. Don’t introduce the plan for the first time when your child is already dysregulated.
These strategies build consistency and predictability. Over time, kids know what to expect, feel connected, and learn to trust your follow-through.
Want to learn more about how to put these strategies into practice? PCIT and parent coaching can give parents concrete tools for strengthening connection, increasing cooperation, and creating a calmer, more regulated home.
Reach out to us to learn more about our parenting services.
