NO!
Those 2 letters have a strong impact and I find myself saying it 10, no wait, 20 times a day. I hate saying “No” all the time, but I don’t want to be one of those parents who politely tells their child to “come here” as they run around the store, tearing things off shelves. We have all seen that happen! I think those parents will have a tougher time down the road when their child hasn’t learned any boundaries and is use to getting everything they want when they want it.
So what to do?
I often find myself talking to my son like I’m training a dog – yes I even caught myself doing the signal for sit when I asked him to not climb on the TV and sit on his bum. Not the best parenting moment!
I’ve been trying to alternate my “no’s” with things like, “that’s not a good idea, “ “put it down” or “stop” and then try to offer a positive alternative item or thing to do.
I want to ensure my son grows up to realize there are boundaries in life and you don’t get everything you want, but I also want him to feel free to learn and explore the world.
How did you teach “no” to your child?
3 Responses to Teaching the word “no”
It is a very small word with huge impact, that’s for sure. As parents, we have to learn that saying NO is helping our child understand that there are boundaries and they need to learn how to abide by them.
I know it’s tough (for me personally) esp. when Ava starts crying. Gah! :’( But, I like how you say to alternate the “No’s” other ways. I’ve also done that and I find that helps a lot. Sometimes they just don’t want to listen to the word NO all the time.
Thanks for the post!
Sounds like you’re totally on the right track. In fact, a fellow blogger and parenting expert agrees! http://www.ptpamedia.com/blog/index.php/2011/07/14/ways-to-say-no-without-actually-saying-it/
Wow thanks Janine! I am going to print off that list of alternative ways to say no for when I run out of ideas