Does "counting to three" help your child behave?

Answer 1

It gives your child a moment to stop and consider their actions. It gives them a chance to make the right choice instead of immediately punishing them. They'll get in the habit then of thinking more about the choices they're making instead of just acting out & reacting.

Answer 2

My ex had a philosophy that you wouldn't count to three to stop a child from running in the street, so why do it for minor things.
Meaning if you want your child to learn to listen to you right away, counting isn't the way to go in my opinion. A child needs to learn to listen when you tell him or her something. I have one warning rule and then there are consequences. My daughter knows mommy should only have to ask once. If your child is in a dangerous situation you certainly wouldn't say "now bobby get out of the street, one, two, three.." they need consistency across the board.

Answer 3

No. I think it gives them the impression that they don't have to listen to their parents right away. I do think if someone has been doing this and wants to change, they need to set down with the children and explain what is going on. My husband and I are in a family with a lot of people that "count to three" and it drives me nuts. I want my children to listen to me as I listen to them. My kids know that when I say something, they need to listen or there is a consequence. I think that counting to three just delays the decision by the children and the parents. Just my own personal parenting opinion.

Answer 4

I believe that it can however I dont use it, I believe that my child shouldnt have till three, he should do it when I say to and when he doesnt its immediate discipline. I dont know where they came up with the idea that they should be given 3 strikes, its like the default number for everything, when he's 16 should I allow him to smoke pot 3 times before he gets in trouble, should I wait till the third time I catch him drinking with his buddies before I ground him? NO! So what I am saying is I think it is effective for many but I dont allow 3 warnings, i get down to business, I should only have to tell him once and he should respond right away.

Answer 5

Only if you follow with the punishment if the child doesnt stop whatever he/she is doing. Otherwise the child is just learning how to count to 3 lol

Answer 6

It doesn't with my son, he just counts with me and does nothing. He has a behavioral issue that I have to use almost every form of discipline because not one thing works twice, but no... for my sis in laws kids it does though, just depends on the child.

Answer 7

No, discipline, fear and respect help your children behave. Behavior is taught, so any antics your child performs repeatedly have in his mind been deemed as acceptable behavior. It is our responsiblities as parents to teach them what is acceptable and reinforce that by equivalent punishment. You shouldn't have to count to any number when telling your child to do something. When you speak they should listen and if not they should understand they will pay for it. This leads to known boundaries and helps them to develop self discipline.

Answer 8

Not the counting, what actually is going on here is they learn that there is a limit as to what you will accept, and that you mean business. If you do count, follow through if they don't respond. Don't overuse the system or it won't mean anything eventually. Pick your battles.

Answer 9

Get the "1-2-3 Magic" videos. This program was recommended to me by our family counselor when I was going through a divorce a few years ago. It has worked for me. It is highly recommended. It is a great program for ages 2-12. Additionally, there is a teen program and one for strong willed children.

Answer 10

Only if you stick with it. If you count to three and then don't go through with what you were counting to three for, then they'll start to think it's a game.