As dad to a ~5yo, some things I've found. (Kids are different so YMMV) • It surprisingly helps to say “couches are not for jumping” instead of “no jumping on the couch.” Not sure why, maybe because it depersonalizes it and so feels less accusatory, or because it reinforces that there is a proper way to use each object. • I try to remember to explain consequences. “If you jump on the couch it might get broken.” This stuff is obvious to adults but kids don't know or forget. • Redirecting can help? “If you want to jump, you can jump on the floor.” • Giving choices also helps. “… or, if you want to stay on the couch, you can sit nicely.” • You don't have to and probably shouldn't give a big speech like in the image below. Just keep a mental toolbox of these phrases and pull them out as needed. You are always improvising anyway. • Sometimes you will be tired and annoyed/frustrated and you will just snap, “no jumping on the couch!” Don't beat yourself up about that. Just practice other phrases when you have the energy and make it a habit. • More generally, it's easy to moralize about all this stuff, and it's not worth the emotional energy. Just try different things with your kids and see what works.