If you’re anything like me, you take shortcuts when you’re feeling pressed. For some things, that’s a great strategy. But when it comes to kids? It usually doesn’t work. Here are a few reasons our knee-jerk reactions to getting kids to cooperate won’t work, and what to do instead:  Threats, Bribes, and Punishments? All three make the “don’t” list.  One common mistake lots of parents make when they want their kids to cooperate is resorting to threats, bribes, or punishments. All three are external motivators that lead to short-term compliance but usually don’t work in the long term.    So, what can you do instead?  1. Connect and communicate- but make it easy on yourself.  Instead of calling directions up the stairs or across the room, take the extra moment to bend down, get their attention, double-check you actually have their attention, give ONE direction, and have them repeat it back to you.  2. Be respectful. Instead of expecting them to drop what they are doing that instant and com...