Toddlerhood is the time when children become more independent thinkers. During this phase, there is one word toddlers seem to know well and use often: No!
To avoid unnecessary conflicts with my toddlers, I learned to ask questions that didn't give them the chance to say their new favorite word. Instead of asking if my kids wanted breakfast, for example, I'd offer two menu options they could choose from: "Would you like toast or cereal? Pick your favorite."
I made sure to stand firm on the options so they understood that the choice was theirs to make, but the options could not be negotiated.
This article appeared in the January/February 2012 issue of
Thriving Family magazine and was titled "Two Good Choices." Copyright © 2012 by Jackie Castle.
Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.