For the Child Who Can’t Get Their Shoes On

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

What to say

1. Shoes go on before the door opens, so we start this five minutes early.

2. Getting the heel over the back is the part that never works on the first try.

3. I sit on the floor and hold the shoe open while you push your foot down into it.

4. You do the strap or the laces, and I only help when you ask me to.

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.