The Kid Whisperer

09/04/2026

Tip for Parents #28

PUT THE FORGOTTEN HOMEWORK DOWN

When your kid forgets their homework at home, leave it alone. Don’t deliver it to your kid. Will your kid’s grade be affected? Yep. Is that good? Absolutely. Will your kid learn something about the world and the level of responsibility necessary to be successful in it? You bet.

What’s more important: to learn that in order to be successful, you must be responsible, or to earn a point in your homework grade for eighth grade math?

Stop saving your kids from their own irresponsibility, and they will become more responsible.

09/03/2026

Kid Whisperer Nation Teacher Tip Number 124

IGNORING EXPLAINED, PART I: WHEN TO IGNORE

Teachers often are given the suggestion to ignore negative behaviors. Depending on the situation, this advice can range from excellent to criminal. When a kid’s negative behaviors are only causing a problem for him, this is good advice. When they are only mildly annoying for others, or extremely annoying for a very short period of time, they can be ignored for as long as the teacher feels like ignoring them. When these behaviors cause any type of problem for others, interventions and consequences must be used, even if the behavior is attention-seeking. The extreme examples of when ignoring is a terrible idea is when the behavior of a student puts other students in danger emotionally or physically.

09/02/2026

Dear Kid Whisperer,

I have a nagging five-year-old who won’t take “no” for an answer. I have done my best to turn off my brain and repeat the same line over and over, but I think it’s time for a consequence since he keeps nagging me and won’t stop. I’m just not sure what the consequence should be. Any suggestions?

https://www.behavioralleadership.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-kid-who-wont-take-no-for-an-answer-1

09/01/2026

08/29/2026

"This book will teach teachers to prevent many behaviors before they start; respond (rather than react) to behaviors in a way that keeps the teacher calm, teaches the student how to behave appropriately, and strengthens the relationship between the teacher and the student in the process." - Amazon Reviewer

The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors

08/28/2026

Thank you for hosting us, Douglas! We always enjoy our time connecting with amazing educators in South Dakota. Keep up the great work, and we wish you a wonderful school year ahead!

08/27/2026

Kid Whisperer Nation Tip for Parents # 56

BE COMPASSIONATE, SET LIMIT
S, AND THEN ASK QUESTIONS

(In that exact order.)

When you are compassionate, it calms down the minds of everyone involved, especially you. Then the limit will become at least slightly more palatable. Once the limit is set, never repeat it, but just ask a question to make sure your kid is having to think about the limit:

Kid: I hate this stupid house and this stupid family, stupid.

Parent: Oh, dear.

Kid: What do you mean?

Parent: I talk to kids who are being nice to me.

Kid: You are SO STUPID.

Parent: And what did I say?

Parent walks away.

08/26/2026

My 12-year-old struggles with boredom. She is very smart, and when she’s not stimulated, she gets bored very easily. When she’s not on her tablet, she’s basically bored instantly. I’m not sure what to do to keep her stimulated at home.

https://www.behavioralleadership.com/blog/how-to-make-your-kid-make-her-world-more-stimulating

08/25/2026

Here's a great clip about giving kids choices from when I was featured on Dr. Loretta Breuning's podcast!

Loretta Breuning, PhD and Scott Ervin discuss how meaningful choices can empower learners and strengthen engagement. Offering several options, such as a selection of “laters,” gives students a healthy sense of control. Choosing one activity also means deciding not to choose another, reinforcing ...