Parenting Thought
Five Positive Things about Children Saying “No”
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When children begin to say “no” it’s a sign that they know what they want. You have to know what you want to be able to plan for having what you want.
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They are beginning to think for themselves. You have to think for yourself to be able to plan ahead.
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They can be annoyingly persistent during this “no” stage. Waiting is all about being persistent. You are able to wait because you trust yourself to stay on task and believe you will reach your goal eventually.
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Being able to wait means you have to know what you want and how much you want it, plan for how to get it and then stick to a plan and persist until you get it.
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These are all things parents want their children to learn.
(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:
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
grit
determination
persistence
Picture Book Parenting 