James' World 2

Click the link below the picture

.

There are more effective ways to deny, deter, or discipline your child than repeatedly saying “no.” Frequent use of the word “no” can exhaust both parent and child. Some parenting experts also suggest that overuse can breed resentment or encourage future rebellion.

Overusing “no” can desensitize a child to its impact, so experts recommend reserving it for life-threatening situations, says Audrey Ricker, PsyD, co-author of Backtalk: 4 Steps in Ending Rude Behavior in Your Kids. Instead, use short, clear, and direct phrases to explain why a behavior is inappropriate.

The next time you find yourself in one of these common scenarios with your toddler, consider one of the alternatives below to simply saying “no.”

Reaching for More Sweets

David Walsh, PhD, author of No: Why Kids—of All Ages—Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It, suggests that parents deny certain junk food requests, like ice cream and candy, by offering a healthier alternative, such as yogurt. Avoid the promise of “maybe tomorrow,” Dr. Walsh advises.

“Toddlers can’t comprehend time very well, so it doesn’t make sense to tell them exactly when in the future they will get ice cream. Most toddlers just want what they want,” Dr. Walsh explains. “Parents need to calmly, firmly, and warmly offer the healthy snack in spite of a toddler’s protests.” This way, your toddler still gets a treat, but it’s better option.

Pay attention to messaging around food as well. Terms like “healthy” versus “unhealthy”, or “good” versus “bad” can create unhelpful emotions about food, explains Emily Edlynn, PhD, Parents’ Ask Your Mom advice columnist. Instead, she suggests explaining that certain foods give our body more energy and help us think better, run faster, and stay healthy.

Flinging Their Food

Toddlers often play with food because they may still feel full from an earlier meal, turning the food into a toy, explains Linda Shook Sorkin, a licensed marriage and family therapist in San Diego.

Instead of shouting when your toddler flings a bowl full of macaroni and cheese to the floor, calmly remove the bowl and explain why throwing fo

A similar, calm approach works when your little one starts bouncing on the bed late at night. You might say, “Beds are for sleeping and relaxing, not for jumping.” But if they take a sip of milk without protest, acknowledge the good behavior with a compliment.

Knocking Down Someone Else’s Toys

If your curious toddler decides to go “Godzilla” on their sibling’s LEGO tower, it’s not always a sign of jealousy—at least not consciously, explains Fran Walfish, PsyD, author of The Self-Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building a Better Bond with Your Child.

“He may simply see the LEGO building and think that it would be fun to knock it down,” Dr. Walfish says. However, remember that “most kids hate to be told what to do—some more than others.” Instead, try asking if you can join in and model how to play respectfully with others.

Being Rough With Plants or Pets

If you catch your toddler pulling petals off prized peonies or tugging a family pet’s tail, gently point out that plants and animals are alive, too. You might say, “When you hurt the flower (or pet), you hurt its feelings and growth.” This approach helps your child develop empathy and awareness of other living beings.

.

PARENTS/GETTY IMAGES

.

.

Click the link below for the article:

.

__________________________________________