Parent workshop script: Say–Do–Wait

In my monthly parent workshops, I teach a simple Say–Do–Wait routine to coach independence: narrate the need, model one step, then count a quiet ten before offering help. If you have a favorite way to explain this to families (or want my one-page handout and 10-minute demo plan), I’d love to trade resources.

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I have parents put their hands behind their backs and say, ‘I’ll watch while you try,’ then count five slow breaths instead of seconds — it keeps everyone calm and prevents the hover reflex. For under-threes I shorten it to three breaths, then one offer: ‘Would you like a hint or more time?’.

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