Has your cutie transformed into a stubborn kid right before your eyes? Do you feel like all you hear these days is no, no, no, no, no? Give yourself a break mama – you’re doing a super job.
A recent study in Child Development shows that 2 and 3 year olds argue with their parents 20 to 25 times an hour! So if your toddler belts a string of ‘no no no’s’ well darling, first of all, you’re not alone, secondly stop blaming yourself. You’re doing absolutely nothing wrong and thirdly, and just for your own peace of mind, know that your precious angle isn’t a monster in disguise.
Here are three ‘tried and tested’ ways you can start to transform the ugly sound of ‘no’ into a beautiful ‘YES’ – music to our ears.
1. Give your toddler a choice
Being a 21st century mama is all about being one step ahead of your smart cookie. Give your toddler a choice rather than giving in and they’ll feel like they’re the ones in control. So instead of putting one book in front of them, ask them to make their own choice ‘Which book would you like to look at today?’ or if they come up with their own dinner requests give them a choice instead – ‘Would you like to eat the broccoli or the chicken first?’ The trick is to give them options which fit what you want to achieve. Apart from getting an actual answer rather than a frustrating no, you’ll be empowering them to make decisions.
2. Try and tell them what to do, rather than what not to do.
Let’s face it, no one likes hearing the word ‘no’ all the time, toddlers included. Next time you’re about to embark on a negotiation battle with your little one, tell your child what you want them to do rather than what you don’t want them to do. Practice positive discipline. Replace your ‘Don’t leave your room in a mess!’ with ‘your room is so pretty when it’s tidy!’ Kill the negative talk, oh and while we’re at it, be aware of your own vocabulary – does ‘no’ roll out of your mouth most of the time? Say ‘yes’ more and encourage imitation.
3. Say ‘thank you’ before they do what you ask
Here’s a cool trick you might like to try. Add thank you to the end of your command instead of thanking your child after your requested task is complete. For instance, ‘It’s time to pick up your toys Emma, thank you’. Praise your young ones, thank them and tell them that they’re helpful. They’re your little stars and they’re going through the NO phase just like all other toddlers.
Have any of your own tricks to getting a yes? Drop us a line, we would love to hear your tried and tested toddler negotiation techniques.
Article by BuzyMummy guest contributor: Sab, blogger and founder of HighwaytoHappy, a wonderful blog concept that offers an online space where soulful sisters are invited to unwind, feel nurtured, re-charge & take the time to appreciate the delicious moments in their lives.
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