Don’t feel bad that your kid doesn’t like you today because you said no. Your job isn’t to be liked. Your job is to raise a decent, kind, responsible human.
– Unknown
Parenting Quotes, Parenting Tips Quotes, Positive Parenting Quotes, Parenting Guide Quotes, Parenting Love Quotes
Now, I don’t have any children, but here are some questions I would like parents/guardians to ask themselves before denying their children something. “Do we need this, or do we want this?” “Will it matter?” “Will everyone be safe?” Now, there are some things that we SHOULD deny a child. We must not ride a bike without a helmet that fits us well, or serious head injury could occur if we fell. We must not play in the middle of the road, or we could get hit by a car. We must not steal (purposefully take other people’s things without that person’s permission). However, occasionally saying yes to that ice cream or toy likely will not matter.
However, when your child reaches a certain age (maybe around 4 or 5), start making a list of needs and a list of wants before going shopping, and show the lists to your child. Explain the difference between a need and a want. A need is something that we need in order to survive, or that we need for school, work, or an event. A want, on the other hand, is something that we would like to have, but is not needed. Basic clothes are a need, but top-notch designer clothes, and the latest fashion trends are wants. A basic cellphone is a need (once your child reaches a certain age and maturity level), but the latest smartphone is a want. Healthful food is a need, but food/take-out, restaurant foods, and junk food are wants. Write or type questions for your child to ask themselves (you can even see about having this laminated). “Do we need this in order to survive?” “Do I need this for school?” “Do my parents (or the adults I live with) need this for work?” “Do we need this for an event?” If your child asks for something that seems out of your means, instead of explaining that it’s too expensive, show your child the questions.
Also, make sure to give your child enough choices. However, make sure that the choices offered are choices that you, your child, and everyone else involved can all live with. “Do you think we should get apples or lettuce?” “Do you want peaches or carrots with your lunch today?”
[foobar_cpt]
Leave a Reply