For the Child Who Waits Until You Are Angry

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. I am asking once, in a normal voice, and the answer is still cleanup.

2. Waiting for the loud voice makes sense. The loud voice is the one that always works.

3. I set the timer for ten minutes and I sit on the chair, not in the doorway.

4. If the timer beeps with toys still out, they go in the hall box until tomorrow.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.