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How to Negotiate with Your Kids

by Mary C. Kern and Terri R. Kurtzberg

Quick Takes

  • Sidestep emotions and recognize repetitive arguments
  • Prepare like you would for a negotiation at work
  • Know what you’re trying to accomplish
  • Ask questions
  • Present ideas in ways that appeal

You’re going to negotiate with your kids today, probably multiple times. According to one informal survey of 2,000 parents, we negotiate with our children an average of six times a day (lasting about eight minutes each, or 24 hours a month).1

Unfortunately, parents often feel that these negotiations don’t go well. In our experience as social scientists, professors, and with our own kids—as well as through discussions with hundreds of parents while researching our book ...

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