How do I get my 3yo to follow instructions?

[BellaBearisWideAwake]

by which I mean when it is important and I don't have time to cajole or persuade. Such as for safety reasons.

Is there a knack to it? A way of wording a request?

Roar it from your very soul

Ha! Just makes him cry.

Unless you were joking in which I have never done it

Non emergency requests are often met with 'no thanks mummy'

Not much use when I want him to pass the phone and I'm feeding his brother

I was sort of joking. Have never done it either obv

I have a rule with DD (4 now but for ages) that when I yell STOP she does. We practiced in the park as a game and she now screeches to a dead halt - so I don't need to hold hands and can let her run/scoot ahead.

That'd be my best idea- make it a game outside or through a musical statues type game.

You know that is a VERY good idea. Thank you very much

Yes. The only thing my 4 year old would do is STOP!

I have decided on a bribery strategy. He gets 'ticks' on a chart for doing good behaviour, and when he gets to the end of the day he gets a star, end of the week a little (£2) toy. Kids like ticks :)

please can you and that would be very kind and you will get a tick on your chart.

I know 'they' at bribery but it works for me!

I find roaring stop doesn't work but yelling 'BISCUITS' works a treat and he happily gallops back to me. It's just like having a dog.

I have no idea but I shall wait here to see of there's any sensible advice coming.

What about the not life and death dangerous situations but where, say, a glass of water is about to be spilled? Me saying "DS font kick that cup please" didn't seem to work.