Parenting Thought
Three Things about Children Saying “No”
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Young children are learning to wait for what they want at the very early age of 18 months to three-years-old.
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These early challenging and frustrating ages are often called the “terrible twos” – the dreaded “no” stage – because it is hard to wait and not get what you want when you want it.
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These early stages are also the “terrific twos,” because they are a time when children learn very valuable lessons.
Knowing what they wantThinking for themselves
Planning
Persistence
(See Teaching Kids to Wait – Part 2 for more about children saying “no.”)
Spring’s Picture Books
We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of. For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.
A reminder that your child has a star within him, and you can help it shine.
A reminder that you can help your children with sad and frustrated feelings when they can’t have everything they want.
A reminder how important it is for your children to learn to wait.
A reminder about what it means when your child says no and how important your response can be.
A reminder that it is important to help your child handle his or her aggression.
A reminder of how important it is for your child to have your attention.
Read All About It:
Teaching Kids to Wait – Part 2
SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke
GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson
Surf the Internet:
terrible two’s
terrific two’s
no-saying in children
temper tantrums
determination
grit
persistence
Picture Book Parenting 