Stop Saying Okay, Okay?

Photo Credit: Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash.com

Here's an audio clip so you can listen to the Mom Tip while you scrub the toilet!

Hi, I’m Regan Barnes from Momivate, and this is your two-minute Mom Tip empowering you to elevate your mothering experience.

There’s a phrase that I like to hear as often as possible from my children...
 
"Okay, Mommy."
 
I love to hear it because it means my child has agreed to whatever torture or punishment I have inflicted upon them… brushing teeth for instance or having to read a book before getting screen time. These are things that I consistently request from my children, and I love it when they decide that it’s okay.
 
But I also hear myself saying "Okay" often.... which may be where my kids have picked up on it. I'm glad I've set a good example in that sense. 
 
However, I'm not sure I always use the word “Okay” in the right context… for example:
 
"We're going to get your pajammies on now, okay?"
"Let's go brush your teeth, okay?"
"You need to read a book BEFORE watching a movie, okay?"
 
What does my "Okay" in these circumstances get across to my children?
 
Is there really a choice in the matter? What if they’re inclined to say, "No, Mom, that's NOT Okay,"  would I rescind the request? Change my plans to fit my child’s lack of willingness to obey?
 
I've determined that I need to pay close attention to my use of the word "Okay" -- and stop tacking it on the end of the instructions I’m giving. 
 
If my "Okay" means "Do you understand?" then I need to replace it with, "Do you understand?"
 
I've been working on dropping the Okay from my instruction sentences for awhile now, and it’s a tough habit to change. I just repeat to myself: "Stop saying Okay all the time, Okay?!"
 
Mama, what verbal messages are you sending that you might not really want to be sending? Brainstorm some alternatives and start conscientiously enhancing your communication! Then share if this practice elevates your mothering!

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