For the Child Who Refuses to Go to School

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

What to say

1. School happens on weekdays. The car leaves at eight ten, happy face or not.

2. The goodbye at the gate is the hard minute, not the whole day.

3. I walk you to the gate and stand where you can see me until you’re inside.

4. You pick who says goodbye first. Then I go and you go in.

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.