Your Toddler This Month

Saturday, January 29, 2022
30 Months Edit Child's Info You & Your Toddler
The Endless No's It goes without saying that "no" is one of the most uttered words in a parent's vocabulary. And most days you may feel like a broken record. Is there an end in sight? Not really. Parents don't want to say "no" all the time, but we do it with good reason. Frankly, sometimes we just say it because we can't think of a good reason. Either way, we mean business. "No" is a word that should not be thrown around lightly. You want your child to know that it's not up for questioning. Instead, try to meet your child half way and approach the situation differently: "We are not going to the park today because it is too cold. We will try again tomorrow." See how that sounds a little better than "no"? Here are some tips to help you in the "no" battle. 1. Bartering. This is a system that can work well in parenting. "If you clean up the toys, you will get 5 minutes of extra story time." Be selective, though. The everyday tasks like dressing and eating shouldn't be rewarded, or your children will catch on fast. Set some boundaries, even use a little trickery, so they think they are getting more out of the deal. 2. Alternatives. Sometimes the things our children ask us to do are just not appropriate for a number of reasons. Rather than just replying with a big fat "no," offer a fun alternative. Suggest they play with crayons instead of paint, offer a new game instead of the one with a million pieces. Whatever works to make you both happy. 3. When you say "no," mean it. Some parents have a tendency to waffle. We have all been there. But, too much waffling, and "no" will lose its effect entirely. When you say it, mean it, and don't go back on your word, or they will never take you seriously. Next Month: Keeping Up With Others Toddler Tips •  Has "no" become your child's favorite word? Toddlers want to be in charge, so, they are more naturally inclined to say "no" than "yes." •  You will hear fewer "nos" if you make your child think they are the one making the decision. •  And making your child feel like they are calling the shots fosters their self-esteem. •  Example: "Do you want to put on your PJs or brush your teeth first?" Parenting Tips •  No-Nonsense Guide to Napping •  10 Brain Foods for Your Toddler •  Why Toddlers Whine and How to Stop Them •  10 Ways to Manage a Meltdown Connect •  Parenting 1-Year-Olds Community •  Parenting 2-Year-Olds Community •  Children's Health Center •  Raising Fit Kids Home  |  Conditions A to Z  |  Community  |   Parenting Don't miss an issue of this newsletter. Add WebMD to your email's safe sender list -- get instructions here. You are subscribed as asaislam93.parent@blogger.com. To unsubscribe from this email, or manage your individual email/newsletter preferences, click here. Please note that you may be asked to sign in to your account. To unsubscribe from all emails from WebMD, click here. WebMD Privacy Policy WebMD Office of Privacy 1201 Peachtree Street, NE 400 Colony Square, Suite 2100, Atlanta, GA 30361 © 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.