Parent Education Coordinator for EarlyON and CROW, Jane Paul, spoke with us about the importance of saying no to our kids under 6 years old.
She says you can have conversations with your young ones and be convinced they understand the importance of limits, but…
Paul says that when we parent we want to do so with warmth and structure. She explains the importance of the second part of that approach.
She says parents model boundaries such as ethics, and morals so their children can do it themselves later in life.
Paul has the following tips for setting boundaries when stating clear expectations:
First this, then that – “You can go play, once you finish your dinner.”
Say no leaving out the no – “We can’t go to the park now, but how about we go on Saturday?
Let me think about that – It’s not a no, but it’s not a yes either.
Give them their wishes in fantasy – “We don’t have any Cheerios right now. But wouldn’t it be neat to have all the Cheerios in the world? We could swim in them!”
And provide lots of empathy. Show them you understand how they feel. That can go a long way.
She says that helps them feel a bit of control over the own lives. But there is a limit.
And you can listen to the complete conversation with Jane Paul below.
