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There are two particular age groups that make parents nervous— toddlers and teenagers. If you are a new parent experimenting with various parenting techniques, you must have realized that children don’t take ‘No’ well. The moment you utter the word no, they do the action you disapprove of immediately, as if they are supposed to annoy you. But sometimes, this can become a nuisance, especially when dealing with something dangerous. Experts say using the word no too often can take away its meaning, and the child will be oblivious to your warnings (1). Here are some ways to say no to your child without making your child adamant about ignoring the word.
1. “I Understand You Enjoy Ice Cream, But Consuming Too Much Of It Is Unhealthy.”
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Parents may say no to junk food demands like cream and candies by suggesting a healthy option like yogurt. However, avoid the “perhaps tomorrow” promise. Because toddlers have trouble understanding time, telling them when they will receive ice cream in the future is pointless. Most babies just want whatever they want whenever they want, so parents must serve the nutritious food calmly, firmly, and lovingly, despite the toddler’s protests.
2. “Food Is For Eating, Not For Tossing.”
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Let your kids know that they will get a treat, but it will be a healthier option. When kids are still full from a previous meal, they tend to play with their food. The meal is subsequently transformed into a toy. Rather than yelling at your kid for throwing a bowl of mac and cheese on the floor, take the dish away and explain why they shouldn’t toss food.
3. “Beds Are For Resting, Not For Jumping.”
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You can explain this calmly when your child starts bouncing on the bed in the middle of the night. If they drink a glass of milk without protesting before bed, commend them on their good conduct. It is essential to divert their attention from getting on your nerves to getting some rest.
4. “Avoid Knocking Down Legos; Instead, Let Me Demonstrate How To Play.”
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It’s not necessarily a sign of envy if your curious baby decides to go Hulk on his elder brother’s Lego tower—at least not knowingly. They could simply notice the Lego structure and decide that destroying it would be entertaining. However, if your child understands you, ask them if you may join in and demonstrate how to engage in the building blocks and play together in harmony.
5. “Be Gentle To Plants And Animals.”
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If your child is ripping up precious flowers or tugging the tail of a family pet, remind them that animals and plants are also living. “You damage the flower’s growth when you injure it”. This will assist your kid in developing empathy and knowledge of other people’s feelings. In addition, give the youngster the duty of learning to appreciate plants and nature in general.
6. “We Don’t Use Our Hands; We Use Our Words.”
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The ability of a child to comprehend what it takes to hit people is limited. It’s critical to instantly halt the attacker and gently communicate the desired conduct, such as, “We don’t strike when we’re furious.” The child is frequently voicing their frustrations or looking for attention. To promote affection, have siblings hug each other. When children are furious, help them calm down by asking what they want. Another option is to assist your toddler in recognizing the sensations they are having at any particular time. Once you’ve identified that sensation, you may go on to solve the problem.
7. “When You Grumble Like That, I Can’t Understand You.”
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Your child may mumble, complain or request something as they learn new words. “Quit nagging” or “we don’t whine” are phrases to avoid. Encourage them to speak using essential words instead. If you find it difficult to comprehend your child when they speak in a whining tone, explain this to them. This may persuade your child to talk like they usually do. This strategy teaches the youngster that they have control over their tone of voice and their behavior.
8. “Can You Give The Phone To Mommy? This Toy Is Yours To Keep.”
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Your toddler may want to touch your iPhone at the grocery store every time it rings, but it is not a toy. Instead, give your child a modest, interesting toy the next time they reach for the phone. It’s simpler for kids to substitute a habit than to forget it.
Parenting can seem challenging at times, but the more you keep your calm and handle the situation without bursting out, the chances are that you will be able to deal with your kids better. For example, use assertive sentences instead of negative ones, and learn to distract your kids when they show signs of outbursts. So, is there an effective technique you use instead of using no? Let us know in the comments section.
