Looking back (sometimes not very far) can be a headshaking experience when it comes to memories of learning as a Dad. This topic of the KISS is one which took me a while to learn; in other words I stuffed up. Perhaps my short post will help a Mum or Dad a little when it comes to handling your kids who have done something the wrong way or have been naughty little buggers.
KISS in this post refers to Keep It Simple Stupid. This post must also be a good KISS or else you'll be KISSED off.
When you talk to your kids at whatever age, and the intention is to keep them on the straight and narrow; the dialogue should be short and simple, clear and concise, straight to the point, no prevarication, limited examples, cool and collected, interesting and informative, not too soft, not too loud; with no long winded explanations. The attention span and comprehension skills just aren't there; the lights are on but no-ones home.
Bit like teaching someone to drive a car. They just want to know where the brake pedal is; they're usually not interested in how the brakes work, whether disc or drum, anti-skid etc. Hmmm, maybe I could interest them in the 4 stroke cycle versus 2 stroke cycle.
I've watched this same behaviour in my younger sister with her boys. I said nothing of course, but it reminded me of what I used to do. Watching her talk in detail to her kids I could see some frustration etching into their faces then the eyes glazing over. It just wasn't going well.
I wish I had clicked to this a little faster than I did. Better late than never. Perhaps this will provide a little food for thought for some; I hope so. I must KISS and run.