How To Stick With Your Answer in Parenting

Summary

The article provides guidance on maintaining consistency in parenting when children repeatedly ask for things after being told no.

Abstract

The article "How To Stick With Your Answer in Parenting" addresses the common challenge parents face when children persistently ask for the same things, such as candy or playtime. It emphasizes the importance of being consistent and firm with the answer "no" to set clear boundaries. The author suggests that children learn through repetition and gradually understand the finality of "no" when parents stick to their decision without making it a big issue. The article also advises parents to explain the reasoning behind their decisions to help children comprehend the situation better, using the example of denying a movie request at bedtime to prevent crankiness the next day.

Opinions

Consistency and persistence are key in parenting when children ask for things repeatedly.
"No" should be followed through as a firm boundary to teach children the meaning of the word.
Parents should not make a significant deal out of saying "no" to avoid reinforcing negative behavior.
Providing clear explanations for why something is not allowed helps children understand and accept the decision.
The author believes that with time, children will come to understand and respect the boundaries set by their parents.

When your child asks the same things over again.

You know that children could ask for the same thing time over again, from time to time. They ask for candy every second of the day. They ask you to play with them every hour, three times the minimum and they’re still not satisfied.

When you said no the first time, then you have to stick when you said no the first time. You have to be consistent and persistent.

No is no.

That is what children need to understand. But it is going slowly, phase by phase. Slowly your children will understand no is no.

Children in every age phase are going to look for your boundaries. They look where they can get you and where they still what they want.

How do you stick with ‘no is no’?

Well, I experience that it could be more difficult than it is.

So, what can you do then? I have experienced to stay with ‘no is no’. When you do that easily and don’t make a big deal out of it, then they will understand.

When you say no, then you also have them to explain why that is no at that moment.

When my daughters wanted another movie yesterday, I said no. It was bedtime. I explained that it was 8 o’clock and it was bedtime, otherwise they will be cranky and tired the next day. That is something we don’t want to.

After explaining it to them, they’ll understand, even they are asking me ten more times to watch another movie.