USER GUIDE FOR PARENTS??

As I browse around out there in cyberspace I am amazed at how many sites there are for helping new parents. Someone could write a “User’s Guide” for parenting with all of that information. I didn’t have that when I was a new mom. And so many recommendations, where do you start?

Let’s start with saying “NO”.

I am a firm believer in saying “NO” as little as possible. How do you administer “NO” to the 2 year old? Two year olds are very curious. They are into everything. I think Moms should let them be into something to assuage their curiosity. My daughter wanted to get into the drawer in the kitchen that had all of the pot lids in it. I just let her; it made a lot of noise but also kept her busy for at least 20 minutes. She liked that for at least a month on and off. Not bad for a 2 year old. And then just to her right , all of the paper grocery sacks were tucked in and she loved throwing those all over the place. I just let her. Then, every day that became a habit and I just let her.

I recommend bagging up a few of the kids toys and putting them aside for when they are just going to test you to the limit with “NO.” Then those toys are somewhat new to them and they will probably sit and play awhile forgetting the cat’s tail, or dog’s water bowl, or the statue in the window.

As the grand-kids came along, their most captivating interest was the remote control. So I bought them a couple of remotes at the Goodwill and were they ever happy. They took them apart, lost all the batteries and eventually we tossed them. Then came the telephone, same thing, they dis-assembled them to pieces. Throw them away. Then was water play. Either at the kitchen sink or in the tub. Using plastic measuring cups, plastic bottles and anything else that could pour one into the other. Of course that one is almost a given.

I believe saying “NO” so often leads kids to be more defiant. Did you wonder where the Terrible Twos got the “NO”word from? Let them do something and they will be happier and so will you. It may mean more work on your part, but more peace of mind in the end.

Now Moms, not to say that there are not times that one needs to say “NO” and very loudly. You don’t want your child to walk into harms way. But someday, just look at how many times you say “NO”.

This is true for any age. My grandchildren are 11 and 12. There are so many things that they want to do that I say yes. As long as they are safe, legal and out of harms way. I am always checking on them . I give them some parameters before they go. I also repeat those parameters a couple of times so they fully understand.

So Moms, how many times do you say “NO”? when you could have guided them to something else just as fun for them.

Stop by my website if you ever need help teaching your kids to clean their rooms. My Webinar is almost ready. It is a fun and exciting workshop you can take right online.

Go to KidsClean.biz

Give me your input. I would love to hear from you.

Can’t wait to see you there!