LESSON 1 · End the Power Struggle
Repetition Makes It Worse
If you say "put your shoes on" five times, you have trained your child that the first four do not matter. Repetition teaches delay.

Try the one-instruction rule: say it once, from close range, with eye contact. Then help them start. Walk over, hand them the shoes, and say "shoes on — I'll wait." A teacher does not shout assignments from across the building.