Monday’s Parenting Thought

It’s a fact of life. Children say no. What’s a parent to do?

1. Matter-of-factly insist they do what you need them to do.
2. Avoid punishing or criticizing them for saying no.
3. Avoid insisting that they not use the word “no.”
4. Calmly tell them its OK to think for themselves, but they will still need to do what you tell them to.

These four things will encourage your children to develop minds of their own and have the perseverance they will need in life to get their needs met.

Inspired by the picture book, MORRIS THE ARTIST.

More about children and no-saying at The Benefits of Art, Choices, and Discipline: Part II.