|
|
|
Christmas Expectations
Christmas is here again. It is a time of year we all look forward to with excitement and anticipation. But it can be a time of year when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, even depressed. So what makes the difference between enjoying the holidays and...
|
The Great Baby Name Debate
Winifred or Willow? Thomas or Troy? The name you choose for your child will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for something original that will stand out from the crowd or a traditional name that people will instantly recognize, choosing a...
Troubled Teens
Are you trying to cope with a troubled teen? Most teenagers go through a difficult period, it's part of becoming independent, but when their behaviour becomes anti-social, their schooling is suffering or they seem unduly depressed, then you should...
|
|
FAMILY TIME
Word Count: 633 Contact: info@togetherparenting.com Copyright Nine Twenty Press URL: Family Time When you pick up any magazine, it’s easy to find an abundance of articles to help you organize your life. Most offer tips for cleaning out the...
|
|
|
|
|
Saying "Yes" (so they won't know it's no) ~ guiding behavior for peaceful parenting ~
After this afternoon's fiasco, I've developed a new parenting philosophy: never deny your child anything.
"Yes, darling, of course you can take drugs (after you kill me and do away with my body)."
"Sure, dear - do start smoking! As soon as you've eaten these three packs of menthol cigarettes..."
"Of course you can have a chocolate bar, baby. When you're finished that broccoli, we'll walk over to the store and buy one."
"You sure can go outside honey! Once we're done picking up your toys, we'll play on the swings together."
Keep direct negative replies at bay unless it's imperative such as in a potentially dangerous situation. A curbside "Mommy, can I cross the street by myself?" needs to be dealt with instantly and distinctly. Discussion and education can take place later.
Of course, you've got to be right on the ball otherwise it's quite possible that you may inadvertently agree to bungee-jumping directly the vacuuming is done. If you've erred, the back-up here to is belly laugh loudly (holding your sides for
further effect), wipe your eyes and say: "My, my! I'm just being so silly today!"
If you're in a non-critical circumstance but still need to say "no" (such as the invariable plea to stay up a little longer), try going sideways: "On the weekend, you can stay up till 10:00, but only if you go to sleep right now".
By using "no" less often, it will be taken more seriously by the kids when you do say it. In the same way, your qualified yes gives the child what she wants ("yes, you can paint") as well as what you want ("as soon as we put away these puzzle pieces"). Tasks assigned with your proviso should be done together as much as possible, to keep your positive-negative positive, non?
About the Author
Stephanie Olsen, published writer, homeschooling mother of two and ESL teacher currently residing in Europe, is also owner of the expatriate site, Family Life Abroad http://www.familylifeabroad.com where you'll find humorous and informative articles by experienced expatriates on all aspects of living abroad, with lots of links and travel tips.
|
|
|
|
|
|
