This was pointed out to me by my supervisor when I was doing my internship for my licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

When you are saying, “Okay” after telling someone to do something, you are really asking if they want to do it or even permission.

For example, when you tell your child that he/she needs to clean up his/her room and then say, “Okay”, you are wanting their permission that it’s okay for them to clean their room. The answer is generally, “No, I don’t want to” and then an argument starts and the child is hoping that you’ll get tired and then he won’t have to clean his room or that you will do it.

So, it is a difficult thing to do, but if you can change this ONE particular area, that will help you with your relationships.

Practice NOT saying “Okay” after you tell your child to do something and you can use this in other areas in your life. You will be amazed at the changes that omitting this one word has.

So, make sure you do NOT say this word, Okay?