[CelticJourney]

So first, great job on seeing issues and wanting to change them. Also great job on seeing some behavior as a result of the situation/environment rather than a 'bad attitude/kid'

Next, consider that while she 'can' do those things at school, they might be taking a great effort.

So, something to consider is that gentle might not always be 'quiet'...it can be a real hoot. Try some humor. She stomps when you talk to her, then both of you 'march' while you talk. Make a game of it 'ok, we need to move our feet. Let's be soldiers and march...and sing.. (if you know any marching songs, this is the place to change them and roll with it) ' I can see us doing "I don't know but I've been told..(in the Army, this would be repeated) My legos on the floor is getting old'. Finding rhymes becomes a game.

If my kid yelled and fell on the floor, it would be asking for some serious humor. 'OH NO, X has fallen ill to the VAPORS (make it odd sounding). She needs rest, run off to bed, X.' x does not run off to bed 'Oh dear, she is too weak. I'll just put a blanket over her'. The trick is that she doesn't get to go back to playing or whatever until she is 'well enough to listen to what you need to tell her.'

Faces, If you really think it is just avoiding listening, I would honestly get on her level (physically) and make faces with her (make sure they are silly) and after a bit just ask 'ok, are we done with this, because I need to talk to you now'.

The important thing here, imo, is to 'team build'....working together. Some of this will depend on what you are trying to get across, so examples would be good.


As for the chair, I would not find it 'ungentle' to remove the chair and let her stand for whatever she is doing. I've seen too many chairs break under the twisting and pushing for 'chair gymnastics' to not see it as a safety issue. You just have to make sure she knows she is welcome to the chair if she want to sit and not make it a punishment.