10 Things to Say Instead of "Stop It"

1. "Stop it" → "Show me with your words."
2. "Stop crying" → "You can cry. I'm staying right here."
3. "Stop yelling" → "I'll listen when your voice is like mine."
4. "Stop hitting" → "Hands are for keeping safe. Push the wall instead."
5. "Stop running" → "Feet walking, please."
6. "Stop whining" → "Try that again in your big-kid voice."
7. "Stop touching that" → "That one stays on the shelf. Here is yours."
8. "Stop being rude" → "Say the same thing kinder."
9. "Stop asking me" → "The answer is still no. Ask me about tomorrow."
10. "Stop it right now" → "I'm going to help you stop. Ready?"

You are not being soft. You are naming the next move instead of the mistake.

Bright Steps · behaviorgps.org · free to share