Today’s Parenting Reminder:

Being sneaky or tricky can be the start of something good – learning to think in clever ways.

Think about the last time your child was sneaking a treat from the kitchen or trying to trick his sister into giving him a toy. Assume this was his way of trying to be “smart” about getting what he needs or wants – learning about what it means to be clever.

Make a list of how you could react knowing that you want the end result to be that your child is a good problem-solver.

Think of all the ways you can let him know that learning new things is OK and that thinking of solutions is OK. Make sure all the ways on your list keep your child safe. Problem solving without the help of an adult can be dangerous.

Pick one of your ideas to try the next time your child is being sneaky or tricky. Celebrate that your child is learning to be clever and smart.

Read more about the need for attention: Meet Kids Where They Are.

Next Parenting Reminder will be on Sept. 10, 2015 (Daily Parenting Tips).

Check Daily Parenting Tips for hundreds of past helpful reminders.