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Writer's pictureCassandra Hyland

A Terrifyingly Effective ‘Carrot-On-A-Stick’ Method That Gets Kids to Eat Their Veggies & Clean Their Rooms Enthusiastically

Updated: Aug 22

If you’re a parent reading this, then you must’ve witnessed your fair bit of epic standoffs between a child and a plate of broccoli.


You know...?


The usual pleading eyes, the dramatic gagging noises, the strategic hiding of florets under strategically placed napkins.


You’ve tried to get them to eat – bribery, threats, even airplane noises – but it’s still very challenging getting them to eat veggies.


Or maybe, you’re struggling to get them to clean their room. You’ve pleaded, bargained, even resorted to full-blown lectures about responsibility and hygiene.


But somehow, the piles of toys, clothes, and half-finished art projects seem to multiply like mischievous gremlins.


The answer is so obvious and so simple that it might surprise you.


It's now about forcing them. It's not threatening to ground them. And it's not nagging them half-to-death that will get them to do what's good for them.


Think about it this way:

 

When you’re trying to catch a fish, do you dangle a piece of cake, strawberries, and ice cream – something most of us are fond of – to catch it?


Do you give the fish a thorough lecture about how deliciously they would go along with chips? Persuade them to be a part of your fish and chips? 🤤

 

Of course not!

 

You use worms, lures, or whatever fish loves to eat, right? You dangle what they want in front of them.

 

Why not use this same common sense for children? And even people.

 

There’s a story in Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, about a father who couldn’t get his three-year-old to eat breakfast.

 

Her parents used the usual methods – scolding, pleading, and coaxing – and they all failed.

 

But instead of using the usual methods, the parents took a step back and realised that their little girl loved to imitate her mother and enjoy feeling big and grown up.

 

So one morning, they put her on a chair to let her make breakfast herself.

 

While she was stirring the cereal, her father walked into the kitchen at just the right moment. She proudly said, “Oh, look, Daddy, I’m making the cereal this morning.”

 

By understanding what their daughter really wanted, they turned breakfast into something she was excited about.

 

She ended up eating two serves of cereal without any coaxing.

 

It wasn’t about forcing or bribing her.


Understanding What Your Child Wants is Key to Influencing Their Behaviour.


This principle has worked when this book was written (in the 1930s), it’s been working throughout all of human history, and it still works just as well today.

 

This doesn’t just apply to influencing kids either. Think about how you interact with your partner, your friends, and even your colleagues.

 

You’ll find a lot more success with them if you think about how your wants also aligns with theirs.

 

Now... It’s easy to see how this can be manipulative.

 

And the truth is, yes, this principle can be used for evil. Politicians and big corporations do this all the time.

 

But it can also be used for good.



It's good if you apply empathy, understanding and create win-win situations for everyone


And at Centenary Childcare Centre, we understand that balance. That’s why our preschool programs deliver on both fronts.

 

For your child, it will be a world of play, exploration, and discovery where they’re encouraged to be curious, creative, and confident.

 

And for you, it will be peace of mind knowing your child is thriving in a safe, nurturing environment.

 

Conveniently located near Jindalee, Middle Park, and Mount Ommaney, we’re the ideal choice for you families looking for a high-quality preschool experience that supports both parents and children.

 

You can explore our programs using this link:


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