Child does not do what you ask the first time

[sport02]

I have a six year old son that does not want to do the things that we ask him to do the first time.  It takes several times of me asking before he will do it or he will say that he does not want to do it.  I have taken toys away and when I do he wants to know for how long.  I have just started to say that if he does not do what is asked the first time that he is going to go to bed 15 minutes early.  I am not sure this is a good idea so your advise would be greatly appreciated.    

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It is crucial that you stop the habit of issuing directions repeatedly. In essence, by doing that you are teaching him not to take you seriously. Two times is sufficient. When you issue the direction the second time, do so in the form of an ultimatum: "If you do not..., you will go to time out." The, if he does not comply, place him in time out immediately. You can see the process detailed in a very practical, useful way in Lynn Clark's book SOS Help for Parents (www.sosprograms.com).

[Natta1980]

Well - he obviously got used to you asking several times....Maybe he even thinks that he has to be asked several times before he complies. Stop asking, take his hand and lead him to where you want him to go.