#23 Use humor
Advanced, ages 2-18
When a lighthearted approach might work, use a humorous exaggeration to make a point or remind children of what you expect of them. Avoid ridicule or sarcasm.

Example:
Mark, 9-years-old, has been leaving his dirty clothes in the bathroom after taking a shower. Once again, his father sees the mess and approaches Mark in his room. Mark, the Dirty Clothes Dwarf from down in the cellar crept up to our bathroom and put some of your dirty clothes in there. I know he's trying to get you into trouble, but I think you're going to have to pick up after him.

Next: Tool 24