climbing on counters

How to stop a child from climbing up on the counter? I've told Hidal many times that it's not allowed because his feet are dirty and we eat food off the counter. He's obviously trying to get something he can't reach, and therefore climbs up, so perhaps I'll ask him, what other way can you get it?

Every household has different expectations. If you allow Hidal to go into the cupboards on his own, make it clear that this is by your permission, not just because he can. Then the counter becomes a territory in which your rules matter. If he can’t follow your rules, he may not be allowed to open cupboards for a day. When I set a consequence like this, I always remind the child that there will be another chance to try again.

For a young child, too many steps can become confusing or burdensome. Give him a very simple alternative to climbing on the counter, and practice it with him a few times. The path from impulse to action is often much shorter for children! He needs to replace an old habit with a new one, which requires some attention and energy, especially from you.

If Hidal is not understanding your concern about clean counters, have him clean them a few times. Then he’ll see a different “path of least resistance”!

: : : Our words are much more meaningful to children with concrete demonstrations.