The When/Then Strategy
- Cristin Mullen
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Dear Loved Ones,
Our struggling students newfound energy and motivation can become a bit disorganized. Go figure. Ha!
While we want that energy, they may need us to guide it. Naturally, they are drawn towards the things, tasks, events, and people that their brain finds interesting. Homework and late assignments, aren't always so interesting.
The When/Then Strategy is how we hack their brain to access this interest based network, in order to get them going in a helpful direction.
Even better… We are teaching them how to use this strategy for themselves in the future. Life skills y’all!!
Below is virtually a copy/paste of my article from last semester, which serves as a guide for this strategy.
Enjoy!
The When/Then Strategy based on a simple cause and effect equation.When a child has completed a task, then they may gain the privilege:
"When you are all finished with..., Then you may go on screens."
This strategy reduces arguments because you'll be saying "yes" more than "no." Seize those moments when your child asks you for something and use them to motivate some positive actions.
"What child, you want something?
Well…. YES, you can have that thing!
WHEN you finish the thing that I asked you to do,
THEN you may get the thing you just asked to for."
Pro Tips:
Use the word “when” instead of “if” because this isn’t a negotiation; it’s a criterion that you are establishing. It’s your offer in exchange for the thing they want.
Start with ‘easy wins’, with tasks that are easily achievable, to get them used to this when/then dynamic. Do this for at least a week, before hitting them up for the tougher stuff.
Try to make the difficulty of the task roughly equal to the intensity of the incentive, if possible.
Though this is not a negotiation, stay open to new ideas. Your student might have some good deals that can work.
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