All good writers are sensitive to clichés and endeavor to avoid them Ben Yagoda More Quotes by Ben Yagoda More Quotes From Ben Yagoda Quotes are like cayenne pepper or some other strong spice: a little goes a long way, and too much is a disaster. Ben Yagoda spices strong long Thomas Gordon, founder of P.E.T. (Parent Effectiveness Training), observed that when children are behaving in a way that interferes with your ability to meet your needs, shouting direct orders to them doesn't work very well. So, he advised sending I messages. That is, a better alternative to, Your room is a disaster area-clean it up this minute, would be something like, I get embarrassed when Mrs. Johnson is visiting and sees your room looking this messy, so I need you to clean it up. Ben Yagoda effectiveness order children