Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
“Told My Son That I Was Allergic To Whining”: 40 Parents Reveal Their Best Parenting Hacks
It’s basically a given that raising a child is hard. “It takes a village” some might say, and they would be right. So, like in most things in life, it never hurts to sit down and do some research. And what better fount of knowledge than experienced parents?
Someone asked “Parents of Reddit: What's the best "Child Hack" you've figured out to make your life as a parent easier?” and people with kids gave their best answers. So get comfortable as you read through, take some notes if you have kids of your own, upvote your favorite suggestions, and be sure to comment your thoughts below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Obligatory "Not a Parent" but one piece of advice I saw on Reddit a while ago that I intend to carry forward.
Realize that while the problem your child may be having is ultimately meaningless, it could very well be the most painful thing that has ever happened to them.
Your five year old stub their toe and won't stop crying? That might actually have been the most pain they've ever felt and the little throbbing after might make it seem like it'll never end. They don't know better, and they won't know better till they experience it for themselves and only for themselves.
Your teenage daughter just got dumped by her boyfriend or her favorite band broke up? This emotional trauma, however ridiculous, might actually be the worst emotional pain she's ever felt. She doesn't know that it'll fade soon enough and one day she'll even laugh at how she acted, and there is nothing you can say that will teach her this.
Your children have to learn these things for themselves, simply telling them "You'll get over it." IS a true statement, but it will feel like you are dismissing their problems. And if the worst pain they've ever felt is something you as their parent will dismiss, then don't be surprised when they don't come to you for something serious.
Shina Kohana 2 years ago (edited)
Pain and trauma is experience based. If a kid loses a grandparent, that obviously hurts like hell. However, if a kid never experienced loss before and their favorite goldfish dies, it’s gonna hurt them just as much. We tell adults not to use pain as a competition so don’t do it to your kids.
C. Rut. 2 years ago
When I had my first breakup I was devastated even though I did the dumping. I was inconsolable. My sweet and wise father came into my room and gently told me that just about every adult walking around on the planet has been through this and they all eventually feel better. It wasn't "get over it" it was "you WILL get over it. I promise" and I was able to join my family for dinner that night after being too depressed to eat for days. My dad was the best.
Bols 2 years ago
AMEN! And it applies also to grown-ups whenever someone diminishes your pain or exhaustion saying that "someone has it worse"
crazydogmama 2 years ago
Or "It happens". My sister-in-law says this all the freakin' time.
Load More Replies...
Montanavanna 2 years ago
I was close with my friends kid as she was transitioning from childhood to a teenager. On her 13th birthday, I told her the next 4 to 5 years are going to be really rough. I told her she would want to become more autonomous and independent but would not be given the capacity to do so. It sucks to feel like you do not have control of your life and do not get a say in it. Teen years are tough!
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
Also keep in mind that many times, a small child's physiological responses (sobbing, hyperventilating, flushing) can snowball; they may want to get over it, but they simply can't. I find wiping his face with a cool facecloth not only helped "reset" him, but in a way that for him at least was pleasant. It worked so well that when he would simply get upset, he would ask for a wet facecloth, or as he got older, get it himself.
Rocky 2 years ago (edited)
Thank you for sharing such logic!! Lot of adults have zero understanding about a child's development. When I see people ragging on children,*having their naturally reactions, I think that speaks volumes on their own intelligence more so than them being "rightfully edgy".
Ann Churchill 7 months ago
My 4 year old daughter began whining.I told her that if she asked me for something with a whine I would not give it to her, even if I thought it was OK for her, but if she asked me politely I would probably give her whatever she asked for even if I didn't want to.. I followed up. Worked great. Whining stopped right away. My daughter was smart enough to not ask for anything ridiculous.
RELATED:
#2
Teach your kids to read VERY EARLY.
Read to them as soon as you bring them home; but really focus at age 2. Start making them read back to you at 3. Make it fun.
When you give a kid the love of reading at an early age, the rest of school is usually a cake walk. They are ahead of the curve in many ways. And, if they love reading, they always have something to do, and if you buy them a book when they are good and make a reward out of it? You don't need to wait for another Harry Potter to come out to get them to read.
My mother did it with her children, I did it with mine. It works.
Cerridwn d'Wyse 2 years ago
Come on guys be serious it does work. I was reading to the dog when I was like 4 years old. And do they read the same way an adult does no my parents said sometimes it was very funny but I did it. My daughter read the entire kindergarten reading series by the time she was three and a half. Very simple reading and sometimes it's remembering the words that go with the pictures but it's an accomplishment and when you praise it they do well. They do better in school they do better in life and they're less likely to spend their time boggling Facebook
XenoMurph 2 years ago
Good advice. My kid is now 15, we now read in parallel. Recently the "Good girls guide to murder" trilogy. Remarkably good and gives us lots to talk about at an age when often it's tough for a Dad and daughter to chat.
Load More Replies...
Red PANda (she/they) 2 years ago
As someone with parents who did this, I highly recommend it! It will help them a lot, especially in the US, as half of the US has a reading level below the 6th grade lmao. Also, I don’t know who I would be without reading, because a lot of the books I’ve read have helped me to become a better person, or given me a new perspective on things. And book series like Harry Potter, Warrior Cats, Percy Jackson, and Wings of Fire will always have a special place in my heart. However, at the same time, don‘t force books onto them that they don’t want to read. Find books that align with their interests, and encourage them. If you do want them to read a certain book, offer incentives, like my dad would say that if I read a book of his choosing then he could buy me a book of my choosing to read for fun, or he made me a deal one summer that if I read 100 books before school started again, he’d get me a Nintendo 3DS, you can imagine how fast I flew through those books lmao
gambolloch 2 years ago
This is great except for the part about making them read back to you. If they have learning or reading disabilities it can be very stressful for them. My mother read to me at a very young age but due to my learning disabilities it took me a very long time to learn to read.
Petra 2 years ago
It's better to catch disabilities early so that you can start treating them early than it is to ignore it. They need to learn to read at some point and starting to learn sooner, when they have more time (and can get more resources over the course of that timeframe), is better than starting later, when they become aware that they are different and can easily feel stupid/inadequate compared to their peers. And possibly be the target of bullying because of it, too. Better to catch it and treat it as early as possible. It gives them the opportunity to catch up before they officially fall behind and helps them avoid unnecessary pain/hardship. It sounds like maybe your mom didn't get you the resources/help you needed. I'm sorry to hear that.
Load More Replies...
BucFan531 2 years ago
Ok, retired teacher here...I did the same stuff with my daughter. She's just not a reader. She has an amazing vocabulary, her writing is good enough to publish, but she's just not a "read for pleasure" girl.
El Cucuy 2 years ago
And that's okay. She can do it, but as you said, she doesn't read for pleasure. Some people just don't get lost in the magic of a good book. Nothing wrong with it. It takes all kinds to make the world turn.
Load More Replies...
Jeevesssssss 2 years ago
My dad did this with me. I could read properly before I started school. I don't remember much of school but it didn't apparently cause me problems, but I did (and do) love to read. Books have been an escape since I was young (even just an escape from boredom). It's something I've always been grateful for.
Sami-Jo Ross 2 years ago
I learned to read and write when I was three, and my dad taught me cursive when I was about four. I didn't go to pre-K and started school in kindergarten when I was four, about to turn five, so I had a huge advantage over just about everyone in my class.
Shina Kohana 2 years ago
I read to my kids everyday when they were starting to talk at age 2. I’m a gamer and they wanted to play games. “Not until you learn to read.” Then after kindergarten, I started them on Nintendo just like my dad did. Guess whose kids above their reading level in their grade? 😁
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I'm so grateful to my parents for doing this! I've always been an excellent speller due to the amount of reading I did as a kid. Plus I love to read. They dropped the habit with my younger brother and it really showed. As an adult he now likes to read, but he almost never picked up a book (unless he had to for school) when he was younger. Not that it made him any less smart - he's a very smart guy. Who sometimes lacks in common sense. ;)
KimB 2 years ago
Yup truth! My mom read to me in my crib and I learned to read little golden books on my own by age 2...when i started kindergarten I was the only one who could already read....I read my first Stephen King by age 8 (snuck it from my mom lol) . I'm 46 and I read about 5-7 books a month :)
Stephanie Barr 2 years ago
It worked with my daughter, but for my two kids on the spectrum, it didn't work. Not saying it might not work for other neurodivergent people, but they had no interest in sitting still and would get angry. My youngest, though dyslexic as well, has started to take an interest in reading and adores documentaries she can hear. My son, nonverbal, still has no interest.
#3
I told my kid her ears turn red when she tells a lie, now she covers her ears when she lies. She is almost 7 and it still works.
Elizabeth Elliot 2 years ago
Your tongue turns black in our family! If your kid wouldn't open their mouth, you knew!
Dave Forster 2 years ago
I told my kid that they got a red dot on their forehead when they lie, at one point they put a plaster over the area to try to hide it haha
#4
I had 3 kids very close in age. At one point I assigned them each a day of the week (they each got two and Sunday was the leftover) Whatever the question was, the answer was whose day is it. Who gets to go first? Who gets to ride in the front? Who has to take their bath first? I saved so many arguments with this.
Joanne Hicks 2 years ago
Have two children that learned very quickly the math concept of odd & even numbers. If I needed a helper I would ask my kids what kind of day it was. One was born on an even day while the other on a odd day. I had a non-complaing helper each day. Good for a 2kid family with kids born on even & odd days.
#5
Teach your toddler a few signs before they can talk (eat, drink, more, play, etc). Cuts down on their frustrations caused by not being able to communicate.
Nitka Tsar 2 years ago
This! I did it with my kids. My son could sign whole sentences at one point and it really helped! Plus: it was very very cute! Eliminate „baby talk“ too and people will be astounded how well your 2-5 year old can articulate themself.
Nicola Mawson 2 years ago
We always spoke to ours in age-appropriate language. Never a problem with baby talk
Load More Replies...
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Yes me and my siblings were always taught please/ thankyou and sorry
Roxie Carter 2 years ago
And you can communicate across large loud spaces or playgrounds - signs like yucky, let's go, or potty.
Novadoe (She/They) 2 years ago
My parents did this with me and my siblings. I'd say it was very helpful
Nae Nae BB 2 years ago
I did this with my son at about 6 months of age, he could ask for food/milk, more, all done and many others I've forgotten over the years. I remember the above because one day my mom was babysitting him and we feeding him, when I got home she told me he kept doing this cute thing with his hands by turning them over and over again after every bite. I laughed and told her that is how he says "all done"
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
I was so lucky that my daughter was an early talker so we had a pretty easy toddler stage, but I wish I had tried this with my niece who really didn't talk until she was about 3 and would have meltdowns all the time. My little brother was the same way.
#6
Saw one on Reddit where if you want to enjoy some time undisturbed tell your kids that you're taking a nap and when you wake up all of you are going to do chores together. They'll want to let you sleep as long as possible to avoid doing housework, so they'll leave you alone to actually nap or do other things like read.
Joe Publique 2 years ago (edited)
I saw a post by a guy once who challenged his kids to compete to draw the best picture of him napping.
Debra Timah 2 years ago
My dad sometimes napped when I did, and would bet a nickel on which of us would fall asleep first.
#7
Making them start the day over again. Some days they would wake up in the WORST mood. Just cranky and awful. I would tell them I needed them to start the day over because it hadn’t worked right the first time. Going through the motions of having to climb back into bed, close their eyes, then pretend to wake up again made them giggle so much that it usually made for a much smoother start to the day.
Papa 2 years ago (edited)
That reminds me of when I or my sister would have some minor hurt and go to our father about it. He would often say "Did you tear your clothes?" We'd say no. "Well that's good, because the clothes won't heal up like you will." We'd laugh at that and forget all about hurting.
Norman Biegner 2 years ago
A very wise choice for adults too, if you're frustrated or angry - stop & close your eyes and do a reset - bringing you back to a new perception.
#8
Not a parent, but a daycare worker, and I learned this through reddit: If a Child is having a meltdown, ask what color their shoes/shirts/pants/whatever clothing their wearing are. This distracts the child long enough to stop them in the midst of their meltdown because they haven't thought about what they're wearing. I used this trick *twice* on a kid today who was just having a terrible day. Calmed them right down.
Mark D 2 years ago
It is called 'grounding'. It's a gamechanger. Google 'grounding tantrum' for other questions with the same effect if these don't work.
Dane 2 years ago
Perhaps not the same level, but" when I was coaching girls softball (under 9 yrs old), many of the girls would be anxious about batting. I would tell them on the way to the plate, "remember, after you hit the ball, you have to run super-fast to 1st base!" They would forget their anxiety because they were focused on the next step in the process instead of the current one. It can applied to many situations.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
I'm not 9 but I can guarantee that would just make me anxious about both steps! I guess 9 yr old brains work very differently
Load More Replies... Montanavanna 2 years ago
I ask my kids if they can smell that...usually there isn't any smell in the air but it gets them to take a breath.
Hellcaste's Wife 2 years ago
This...is called "grounding"? It's also used for panic attacks? We've been doing it for years with our kids.
infifthposition 1 year ago
another good one is 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, one thing you can taste
Matticulas 2 years ago
My wife read this here and used it today with our four year old, who was making life miserable for everyone in earshot, and it worked amazingly. We'd tried everything up to that point then she remembered this and it tricked him right out of the tantrum!
Lynda StJames 2 years ago
Works similar for panic attacks. Move the person’s attention from one thing to another totally unrelated.
#9
Make "No helmet no wheels" the law with no exceptions from the moment they get their first tricycle. Wear your own helmet when you ride together. Let them pick out cool colors etc. Come down hard the first time you catch him or her without.
This saved my son's life when he was hit and dragged under a van!
Tyke 2 years ago (edited)
If you want to teach your child to ride a bike, get them a balance bike before anything else. When they can glide on it for 2 minutes, get them a bike. Take the pedals off for the first couple of weeks so they get used to the brakes. Pop the pedals back on and they'll be off like a bullet in minutes.
Vortiporius 2 years ago
I tried this... Bought my daughter a balance bike... She hates it demanding pedals.
Load More Replies...
LovingKnuckle 2 years ago
AS someone who was hit by a car on my bike and life flighted with a cerebral hematoma, I can’t stress this enough.
Nizumi 2 years ago
And teach them how to ear it properly. The number of kids I see wearing their helmets loosely at a jaunty angle hanging off the back of their heads.... Snapped neck and internal decapitation waiting to happen.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I teach horseback riding and this is a big pet peeve of mine. Helmets don't work if you don't wear them correctly. None of my students are allowed to get on a horse if their helmet isn't on right - covering the front of the forehead with the straps taut.
Load More Replies...
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
My mother used to say that our car won't start until everyone's seat belts were on. Helped when friends were riding and Said "my parents say I don't have to wear my seat belt."
Tim Granger 2 years ago
It is easier to keep balanced while turning, which is why we taught my daughter to ride on a cul-de-sac
Terry Tobias 2 years ago
Don't they have training wheels anymore? I had some on my bike until my friend and I took them off when we were 5. I could pedal and balance just fine but my steering was a little wobbly. I ended up riding onto my friends front lawn and she never let me forget it.
#10
Be mindful of how you phrase questions
Example:
Instead of “Do you want a hotdog for supper?”, ask “What do you want on your hotdog?”
If your kid’s a d**k, it won’t matter. But it will help it most situations.
Joe Publique 2 years ago
Yup, this. Give choices. Do you want to go to bed at 8, or 8:30? Do you want a bath now, or after dinner? Every good sales-person knows it works on adults too. :)
Astro 2 years ago (edited)
I was actually about to say this is some salesperson tactics! Instead of asking for an appointment, ask “what works better, morning or afternoon?” Brilliant to use that psychology on kids to avoid tantrums!
Load More Replies... Performingyak 2 years ago
My kids answer to anything food related, no matter how well phrased, will always be a very hopeful "pasta?"
Kathy Usie 1 year ago
This practice was also very helpful for me when caring for my mom who suffered with dementia.
Cydney Golden 1 year ago
And if you want to offer a choice 2 is the limit. Never WHAT do yo want for dinner.
Robin Lynn 2 years ago
So important! If they don't have a choice, don't give them a choice!! Important in the classroom too!!
#11
Teach them how to adult.
Give them chores. Early pick up their toys. It will make them better people in the long run. My kids take turns wiping down and sweeping the bathroom and kitchen. One does kitchen one night, the other the bathroom and then flip the next night.
Show them how to do their laundry, it is such an easy thing to do really, just a hassle (at least to me, the wife loves it)
Teach them to cook, start with the microwave and move to the stove and oven. Knowing how to use a kitchen is important.
Give them a little allowance. If they do what they should they get paid. If they half-a*s their chores or don’t do them, they don’t. Teaches you have to do the work to keep a job.
Allowance also lets them manage their money. If you just buy them things occasionally, they never learn the value of a dollar or how to save. They both have something big they want to save for and when they ask if they can by something else I ask them if they are positive they want to set themselves back in getting their big ticket item. Sometimes it is yes, they think it’s worth it and sometimes it is no, they will save their money. It’s great they are learning to save and also what is a priority for them. Is a tablet worth more to you than that sketch book? It isn’t? Then get the sketch book.
School doesn’t teach ‘adulting’ to kids. You have to do it or just hope for them to figure it out and then actually do it.
Rosalina Loblez 2 years ago
For allowance, it really depends on the child whether it should be given based on completing chores. Children tend to start trying to negotiate once they get money for the chores. To properly teach them to work for their allowance in needs to be all-or-nothing not "5 dollars for cleaning the kitchen", "2 dollars to clean your room" etc. Kids also need to learn thar helping around the house is an expectation and responsibility but a way to earn money.
Just Another Girl 2 years ago
The last sentence. SCHOOL DOESN’T TEACH ADULTING TO KIDS. THE PARENTS HAVE TO DO IT. So many parents these days don’t get this!!
Petra 2 years ago
Agree 100%. Storytime: My aunt told a story to the family about how ridiculous and hilarious it was that my cousin didn't know that you have to put on deodorant right after you shower (not the next morning/day). I asked her how my cousin was supposed to know this if she didn't teach them. Her response? "Well, I shouldn't have to teach them *everything*. They should be able to learn some stuff from elsewhere!" In my head I was thinking, "Who on earth is going to teach your kid about deodorant?! Their school?? Their friends??? A TV commercial?!?" A) That's not the sort of thing school is designed to teach. B) They're friends are FAR more likely to make fun of them than to help them. And C) The world doesn't care about your kid and won't bother teaching them anything helpful. I've never been so angry/embarrassed on my cousin's behalf. Auntie, you're their MOM, their PARENT. YOU'RE supposed to teach them these things!!!
Load More Replies... Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
My parents assigned us each a room which we had to clean every day for a month and then we would swap rooms and clean the next one. They had different things in to clean each day and I have a lot of siblings so it really helped my mum. Even the youngest ones would be able to do simple tasks and help eachother. At the end of the month the person who mum thought worked the hardest got a treat (dinner with dad/swimming/bowling etc). Obviously it was slightly rigged and she made sure that everyone got an equal amount of treats but it worked really well
AnkleByter 2 years ago
We absolutely do not reward "chores" with monetary allowance. We teach from the start that we all live in this house, we all take care of it-even when we don't want to. They can possibly get payment (money or otherwise) by doing something outside of general chores/house upkeep, but basic chores, absolutely not. They can learn the value of money, and the value of their time/work, while still realizing that they aren't going to go through life getting paid for everything they do. Some things you just do, because you have to, because we all have to. I'm not paying you to clean your room. I will pay you if you want to wash the outside of the car (with or without being asked). I'm not paying you to take the trash out. I will pay you if you want to straighten out the closet of junk, attic or garage (all things which at some point need done, but aren't a necessity daily). But that's what works for us (and worked for my parents, their parents, etc.).
majandess 2 years ago
I work this way, too. My son's had his own checking and savings account for some time, and he has things he works and saves for (he bought his own Nintendo Switch, for example). He's also in on the budget, so he knows what sorts of bills we have to pay every month.
Load More Replies...
Jane Hower 1 year ago
As a toddler I had my son 'drag' his toys back to his room before bedtime. My theory was if he could drag them out, he can drag them back. NEVER did have to pick up after my boy!!! Was good training for his days at the Naval Academy years later. :) OH, and he had to keep his clothes folded in his dresser drawers and hung nicely in the closet.
shawn mckinney 2 years ago
Yep. This is important. How many adults spill something in the break room at work then walk away because it will get cleaned up ' somehow'. Or the new roommate is a slob but absolutely clueless. I'm convinced it's because he/she did not receive training. Someone else always cleaned up after them.
#12
My wife and I came up with a short unique whistle that both kids knew meant come here to us. Works in malls, water parks or just to come in and clean up for dinner. Fellow parents were amazed by this. Teach them early.
Ellisdogs 2 years ago
My dad did this with me and my brother! We're now 31 and 33 years old and still, if we hear that whistle sound it's like we go in to robot mode, trying to find dad or each other 😅😅
Westend Girl 2 years ago
Talking about me? Same with my Brother an me! If i heard it now i would know something is up! 31 and 34 😊
Load More Replies...
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
Nice try. I tried to teach my nanny this one, and next thing you know, they're hanging from the trees like monkeys, wearing the bedroom curtains and yodeling.
Terri Johnson 2 years ago
I was just going to say... my husband trained our Irish Setter to respond to two short whistles by always doing something fun when she came. Works like a charm to get her attention.
Load More Replies... 
moody goody 2 years ago
Once my nephew 5yo ( at thst time) heard our neighbour call his children with a whistle. My nephew is aghast and yells they are your children, not dogs. Call them by their names, not whistle. (Fast forward 13 yrs ) To this day, my neighbour will check if my nephew is around before he whistles to call his children.
Petra 2 years ago
Whistles are a lot easier to hear in a variety of situations. It's not about being belittling; it's about being heard. Also, it's not socially acceptable to be yelling people's names in a bunch of situations.
Load More Replies...
Pferdchen 2 years ago
On the other hand, I once encountered a woman who was less impressed when I whistled to get my wife's attention in the grocery store one time :-) I think her response was "What do you think she is, a dog?"
Ivana Bašić 2 years ago
Got dirty looks once from another parent. But then my kid came running while she had to go chase hers, so she might have reconsidered afterwards.
Load More Replies...
Just Another Girl 2 years ago
Get separated in the supermarket….this comes in handy! Not just for kids btw.
#13
Lasagne bedding. Waterproof sheet, sheet, waterproof sheet, sheet. No changing wet beds in the night, just pull off top layer and change child!
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
That's a really good idea! Normally my mum would just keep them in pull ups until they were dry at night for a few months but there were a few times she was up in the night changing a bed
#14
When your kid sees something they want like a toy or game and you can’t/don’t want to buy it tell them to “put it on the list.”
If they’re the type of kid that will follow through then you have a handy list for Christmas or birthdays. If not, then they’ll forget about it.
Helps avoid arguments in the store because you aren’t really saying no.
Tyke 2 years ago (edited)
Tell them the 5+, 7+ labels are also a legal thing - sorry, buddy, you're four, got to wait until you're six for that
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
My sister would never cope with that. There is absolutely no way that as a child something she wanted in February she still wants at Christmas. She would change her mind about her entire Christmas list like 2 days before Christmas
EasyBreezyCataneze 2 years ago
I do it with my nephew. We often revisit the list to add more and take off the ones he isn't interested anymore.
Giraffy Window 2 years ago (edited)
When ours was little I'd let them "visit" things that caught their fancy in the store. Kiddo could carry the (non-breakable) item around until they would eventually try to hand it to me to carry. When that hapoened, we'd head back to where the item came from and kiddo would give it a hug and we'd say "good bye! See you next time!"
#15
Not a parent, but a teacher. My best "hack" aims to tackle oppositional defiance, a fancy way of saying "a kid who does the opposite of what you've asked, just because you've asked".
This strategy is called choice/choice.
Let's say you ask your 4-5 y/o to go get her shoes, and she screams "No!". Instead of repeating the demand, ("Get your shoes now, or else!) present the illusion of choice. "You have two choices: If you go get your own shoes, I will let you pick which pair you wear today. If you do not get your own shoes, I will pick what you wear today. " The choices you offer can sometimes provide incentive towards the choice you want then to choose. Giving children choices provides them with limited freedom and individuality. This is important in developing your child's confidence in their own choices.
Choice/ choice can also be used to encourage children to take responsibility. I have a student in my class who is very oppositional defiant. If I say go to the right, he goes to the left. He will constantly try to push the limits of our classroom rules. When he does this, I offer him choice/ choice. I prefer this method with him because it leaves no room for him to argue, or blame me when he doesn't get what he wants.
For example, if he has an upset outburst in class, I will say, "You have two choices: You can either use your coping skills and stay in the classroom, or you can take a break in our buddy room. You have thirty seconds to make your choice. It is up to you." This works better than "Go to the office!" or traditional punishment because 1. I'm allowing him to have some control, 2. I'm giving him a time frame, 3. I'm not placing blame, 4. I'm stating the choices in a calm way (no invitation for aggression), and 5. the choices are concrete enough that he can't manipulate the outcome.
I'd highly recommend this strategy to anyone who has a child who is displaying defiant/argumentative behavior.
Sera 2 years ago
Skipping the command phase in the first place is the best way to implement illusion of choice. "Which of these shirts do you want to wear today?" won't trigger resistance the way "it's time to get dressed for school" can. Even if the answer is "not those shirts," you're heading in a more productive direction than you would end up with if you gave the opportunity to reject getting dressed or going to school entirely.
Pieter LeGrande 2 years ago
Agree. With such kids it's better to avoid the inevitable NO if possible. On the other hand if the child really does not want to go to school, better find out why
Load More Replies... Rahul Pawa 2 years ago
I like this one. I also use it for coming to a compromise. So like if we're going to play board games, one person picks out 3 games they want to play and the other picks from those 3. This way we land on a result that both parties are happy with.
Nurichwersonst 2 years ago
My son was always "but yes, but no, but yes, but no" phase for years... drove us all crazy...
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
The oppositional kids require a special code. I once asked a kid to catch up with his class because he was straggling and he started walking backwards. 🤦♀️ Choice is everything.
#16
Don’t chew your kids out in front of other people. Pull them aside and talk to them in private. It helps them to trust you and it helps them to save face in front of others. It’s a win-win.
Papa 2 years ago
That's good advice for supervisors in the workplace also. Give praise in public and criticism in private.
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
My high school boyfriend recently told me he felt like my parent went out of their way to embarass me in front of him. I never even noticed because it was so normal for me. I am very careful about it with my own kid.
Heather Talma 2 years ago
Certain parents of friends whose houses I visited as a kid would have scared me significantly less had they implemented this.
#17
When the baby is nursing, fill a hot water bottle and put it in the crib or bassinet. Then if (when) then baby falls asleep at the breast, he or she won't be shocked awake by being put down on cold sheets.
#18
Draw semi circles on the insides of their shoes that match up to make a full circle when the shoes are on the right side of each other.
Petra 2 years ago
Almost all young children have trouble telling right/left shoes apart. It's not about intelligence; it's about age and not having a developed brain yet.
Load More Replies... #19
When mine were younger, say, three or four, and it was close to time to stop playing at the park or in the pool, I always gave them plenty of warning using a concrete timeline that they could understand. Instead of saying "we're leaving soon" or "five more minutes", I would tell them something like "ok, let me see you jump in the pool. Seven more jumps and we're leaving ". Sometimes the number was higher, but never less than five. Less than five was always met with "come on, just one more!!" Which usually wasn't allowed. Seven or more was always such a big number that they seemed to get their fill and were ready to go when it was time.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
We got 10 5 and 2 minute warnings but it was always a lot longer than 10 minutes because if we were at a friend's house or something my mother never really wanted to leave and stop chatting either!
BluKatTheBlueCat (BluKat) 2 years ago
Omg the parents talking thing is something that me and my friends (we are 13) have built a whole system off of! It's called Adult Talking Party, or shortened to ATP, and basically you let the parents chat while drawing the LEAST attention to yourself as possible. This has gotten us at most 4+ hours AFTER the 5 minute warning. Crazy how parents have barely any sense of time
Load More Replies... Petra 2 years ago
I like using a battery-powered countdown timer that the kids can see and that says the minutes as they pass. "__ minutes left" And a siren sound at the end. The kids have to be ready to go before the siren sound ends (it lasts for a minute, so they have time to collect their things).
#20
Mother of two teenagers. Don't just listen but ask. Ask questions that can't be answered with a yes or no. Then follow up with a few more questions about the answers given, and before you know it, they are talking to you without trying. Example: I don't ask my kids "How was your day?". I ask something very specific like "I see you are reading 'certain book' in class. I don't think I read that, what's it about?". They generally give me a brief rundown so I follow up with maybe "do you have to do a project on it? What ideas do you have?", things like that. After 1 or 2 questions like that they just keep talking about the class, then the class after or before then I know their whole day. They've gotten so use to just conversing with me, I don't have to try that hard to get the ball rolling anymore unlike some of my friends who are amazed my teenage kids actually talk to me. Also, those conversation starter questions are a great go to. At dinner, no one is allowed a phone, even us adults. So I have a list of conversation starters and just start asking and everyone has to answer the question. Often times will only get to the 2nd or 3rd question before we've moved on to a totally different and offbeat topic, having a really great and fun conversation about something random, like is a hamburger a sandwich or it's own thing? Or is Indiana Jones central to his own storyline? You know, the important stuff.
Jihana 2 years ago
No, without Indi the outcome would have been the same. The Nazis would have gotten the amulet, knew the right place to dig, found the ark of the covenant and gotten their faces melted of. With Indi they did not get the amulet, only the burn mark on that one guys hand, dug in the wrong spot, but got the ark eventually. And gotten their faces melted off.
Load More Replies...
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
We had a great conversation about the probability someone had put poison on my brothers mushrooms the other day. He's not dead so I don't think they have but it was the most random question ever
Callie Krisel 1 year ago
Sometimes I wouldn’t want to talk at all and if I was in a bad mood and a parent asked my something like that I would get madder, so it depends for this
SmooshyFries 2 years ago
Also if you ask in the car, they don't have to LOOK right at you and tend to talk more
Kurt Donald 2 years ago
Mom: How was your day, what did you do? Me: *doesn't answer because doesnt like talking to parents abt weird things*
Petra 2 years ago
...does this imply that absolutely everything that happened during your day was weird? And if so... why? Why are your days so full of weird stuff?
Load More Replies... #21
If you threaten a consequence, follow through 100% of the time. Kids will test boundaries at every age, you just have to make it appropriate for their age group.
“If you throw sand again we are leaving the beach “ - you must leave the beach
“If you don’t clean your room no screen time tomorrow” - no screen time.
The key is to make the consequences not impact you to the point that you don’t want to follow through since it will ruin your day too. A hard line to toe, but boy do boundaries and trust work.
Edit: explained further below
Kids will always test boundaries 100%. But that doesn’t mean you go full force consequence every time. This is different than giving a consequence every time- you can explain why you don’t want them to throw the sand first. Talk to them about why they threw it. Take them in the water for a bit. But if you threaten to leave the beach once all of those things fail, you have to follow through.
A teen breaking curfew once is not a “take away your phone and computer and you’re grounded for 3 months” consequence. But maybe the 12th time is.
Kelly Scott 2 years ago (edited)
Parents, if your child doesn't have the option of what he or she has to do, don't give a yes or no option to them. Simply tell them what they have to do and quit ASKING them if they want to do it. Because if a kid HAS to do something and you give him the option of saying no, and he says no, then all you've done is set your kid up for being confused and angry. Why do so many parents do this to their kids anyway?
majandess 2 years ago
This is also great advice. One of my biggest peeves is parents asking their kids if they have to go to the bathroom. Nope. It's potty time. Everyone goes.
Load More Replies...
Petra Schaap 2 years ago
ughhh i was followed around the supermarket by a mom and her kid that didnt listen. "if you dont listen we're going back to the car! This is the last time i warn you!" 27 last times later, the kid still didnt listen.
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
Man, I was in the check out with a dad who's kid was throwing a fit over wanting a toy. He kept telling him no. Eventually the kid stopped crying and the dad was like, "ok if I get you the toy will you be good?" I just wanted to shake him and be like what are you doing? It was over!
Load More Replies... BarkingSpider 2 years ago
Yes, please! Kids want to negotiate, and if you give in, you will never win. If they throw a fit, do not give in to make them stop! You are training them, and they will learn what they can get aways with. Kids need to understand consequences and the word NO.
Ivana Bašić 2 years ago
Same for adults. If the grandparents are crossing the line, set boundaries, but never threaten something you aren't ready to follow through with.
Petra 2 years ago
Yes, more people need to be consistent with enforcing their boundaries with everyone. Friends, family, coworkers, boss, children, ect. Everyone. If you set a boundary, mean it and follow through.
Load More Replies... Cydney Golden 1 year ago
This should be higher. Never make consequences you can't follow thru on and pick your battles.
Pieter LeGrande 2 years ago
Agree, but consequences have to be more or less immediate. This can be stretched somewhat as they get older, but if left too long and they can't remember the 'crime' it is useless as a deterrent.
BrownTabby 2 years ago
The OP is very clearly saying “small consequences for small infractions; big consequences for big infractions or active defiance”.
Load More Replies... #22
If they are cranky, put them in water.
I have teenagers, this is still the method that I use. Even having them wash their hands or face does wonders.
To be fair, I do it with my husband too. So really, I guess it's just works for humans.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Bathtub or the car always worked for me with babies. It helped that he was obsessed with cars and trucks, so as a toddler I'd often just drive around and let him look at them if he was having a rough day.
Ivana Bašić 2 years ago
My family know - unless it's urgent, it waits until I'm done with my shower. First thing when I come home from work.
#23
When my kids were little my wife worked at a health club and I would take the kids swimming in the evening. We'd always pack their PJs for their clothes they'd change into after swimming. That way, they got out of the pool, showered, and changed in to pajamas. They didn't always go to bed right when we got home, but they were always ready for bed when we got home.
It was my wife's idea.
Barbara Skolly 2 years ago
I do this. Saves changing them twice and they like the little pajama party
#24
If you have a hard time getting them to eat their vegetables give them before the dinner because thats when they are hungry and will eat almost anything, give them some carrots and cucumbers in a glass which is a great snack.
Performingyak 2 years ago
I hear ya. Ours loves fruit, but veges in any form they won't eat.
Load More Replies...
DeoManus Argentem 2 years ago
My grandfather used to give my sister and I $0.25 for each bite we'd take of a tomato (late 80's, big money to us kids!) I don't know if that's what worked, or I just grew up, but I devour anything tomato or tomato-based now (I will drink salsa/Pico de gallo/spaghetti sauce if nobody is watching)! I try not to obviously salivate when making or opening a new jar/bottle of anything tomato while smelling it!
#25
We are trying to get our kids to understand money by explaining how much stuff costs relative to something they find valuable. "Your new glasses are worth 3 bikes, so be very careful with them." "Why didn't we go to Disneyland for vacation? Because it would cost 10 trampolines... And we had to build a new fence which also cost 10 trampolines... And mom and dad don't have enough for 20 trampolines."
I also play a game at the grocery store with my kids where I let them guess how much the groceries are going to cost. They would guess what they thought was a high number like $75 and then it would ring through at $250 and their mouths would just hang open. "That's why I get mad when you waste food! I could have bought almost 3 bikes with that money!"
leendadll 2 years ago
Between $160 and $1,000 USD, depending on size and quality.
Load More Replies...
#26
Learn to say thank you and I’m sorry to them. It makes you closer and helps your relationship with them no matter what age.
Experiences are better than things.
Waking up before them makes the day a lot easier.
Find a way to see them when you’re driving.
Jonathan Gore 2 years ago
Not number 4, watch the road when driving, nearly had a couple of accidents with people paying attention to kids ion the car and not to the road, if you have to stop the car and deal with whatever issue you need to.
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
Oh yeah. If my mom got to the point where she said "Don't make me pull this car over!" we listened up as we knew from experience that if mom pulled the car over we were seriously in for it. As for keeping an eye on kids in the back seat, there are special mirrors just for that.
Load More Replies... #27
I told my son that I was allergic to whining. Any time he started whining I did a bunch of fake sneezing and he would apologize immediately and stop being whiney! It worked for most of elementary school!
Gala Guiba Guerrero 2 years ago
There is a huge difference between whining and complaining/communicating/ saying something is wrong. Parents -more often than not- know the difference.
AnkleByter 2 years ago
No, not all parents do seem to know the difference. Whining is often assumed to just be whining, without the root cause being determined. All whining has a root cause, ignoring that root cause by lying to a kid isn't going to make it disappear. Figure out the cause, figure out the problem, you're the parent, it's your job. Kid could be whining because they're tired, hungry, bored, not feeling good, just having an off day....whatever the cause, it's your job to figure it out. If you can't, it's still your job to help your kid work through it, be the grown up you chose to be. Your day isn't so important you can't take a few minutes out to help your kid instead of making s**t up to make the whining you find annoying stop.
Load More Replies... HTakeover 2 years ago
I saw a kid do this to another kid. They were in a line for an activity and the kid in front (Kid A) was an acquaintance of mine. The kid behind him (Kid B) wanted in front so he accused the A of cutting in line, despite A being in line since before B even showed up. B wouldn't leave it alone so A turned around, fake sneezed, and said all dramatically "sorry, I'm allergic to lies." Kid B just shut up after that.
Skipper Laine 2 years ago
You've got a point there. People should never be automatically dismissive of other people's "whining". There's almost always a point to it.
Load More Replies... 
Debra Timah 2 years ago (edited)
My mom always told me to stop whining. I had absolutely *no* idea what "whining" meant, and my mom never did come up with a way to explain it to me. If I asked a question that she didn't answer, I tried harder to get the answer, which probably led to the whining. I would likely not have been doing it if she'd have answered the question. When you're a small kid, nearly everything in your day requires assistance, and everything you learn is from parents, etc., so of course you constantly want attention and ask constant questions - it's hard work, learning everything!
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
Sorry I don't speak whinese, please use your big kid voice. Obviously these are exceptions to whine-tollerance depending on the situation. Now that she's a teenager I ask her to adjust her tone and try again. I don't want to be dismissive because I want to hear what she has to say, but sometimes the attitude is just too much.
meow point1 2 years ago
That'd just make me guilty because I've always been self-conscious over how dumb my voice sounds when I'm crying.
#29
One day out of desperation I made my daughters do Rock, Paper, Scissors 3 times and winner gets their choice of whatever they were fighting about (usually what TV show to watch 1st), then loser gets a turn. They started doing this automatically and stopped coming to me to solve the issue. What a win!!
Deborah B 2 years ago
Get them doing "you cut I choose" for fair spliting of food/drinks etc. No one cuts the last slice of pizza more fairly than the sibling who knows they will get the smaller half.
Brian Droste 2 years ago
I have a y I younger brother. Also had a neighbor boy. Those two were close friends at one time. Whenever they made pizza, they would get a ruler out and measure the pizza so they would make sure they got exactly half of the pizza.
Load More Replies... Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
For TV shows we always had a 20 minute limit each. We would let youngest pick first because they are the least patient and it went up in order of age.if what you wanted to watch was longer than 20 minutes you had to wait for your go to come round again. It was 20 minutes because almost every children's show was that long and it prevented one of us getting clever and picking a film or something like that to get a longer go
#30
To get a newborn to burp: Sit them on your knee, holding them under their armpits, and move their upper bodies in a circle several times. Like a reverse hula move I guess. I learned it from a neonatal nurse, and it's almost infallible. So much faster and more reliable than regular burping.
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
Lol, percolating the baby until the burp gets to the top.
Joran Quinten 2 years ago
We used an accordion method. Let's them sit, lift under the arm to stretch the abdomen and then gently push down again. Works every time.
Pieter LeGrande 2 years ago
If all else fails- hold them upside down until the gas rises to the top and they fart😁 Now what about hiccups?
#31
So the children won't ask me, repeatedly, to buy a new toy on any given shopping trip - I allow them to choose a "store toy" to keep them company for the duration of the visit. They care for it, typically while sitting in a shopping cart, and then bid it farewell in a goodbye ritual at checkout ("bye store toy! See you next time!"). They are sated after that and there is never drama.
Joe Publique 2 years ago
You mean put it back where you got it, right? Not 'ditch it at the checkout'.
kaycee14 2 years ago
Former cashier here, we'd rather you left unwanted items with us than ditch them somewhere in the store.
Load More Replies...
Tim Quinlan 2 years ago
So instead of bringing your kid's toy from home or hmmm maybe teaching them that they can't have a new toy every time they go to the store, they get their grimy kid germs all over something and then you leave it at the checkout lane for someone else to put back???
AnnaRachelle 2 years ago
Sorry,my daughter would be so upset if I said it had to be put back at the checkout. I would rather just say no. Not too comfortable with the idea of borrowing the toys off the shelf. Children wouldn't think twice about picking their nose and then touching a toy..
AnkleByter 2 years ago
If you don't intend to buy them the toy, don't give them the illusion that you will. Most children are absolutely NOT going to "be sated", they're going to be pissed you lead them on the whole store. Just let them bring a companion of their own from home to take care of in the store if they need to be occupied, or even give them something you already intend to purchase to "take care of" throughout the store. This is just a stupid way to make your kid pissed off for no reason and make more work for whoever has to take returns back. Telling your child you're not buying them (insert whatever it is they want, or, anything at all) is a much better option. If you always experience "drama" or "arguments" in stores, you might need to find a better way to say no (barring any behavioral/developmental issues that might be at play, of course)
iLoveBloodDonors 2 years ago
It's kinda mean tho? You give them the illusion of it but they can never have it
#32
No a parent, but when I was a child my mom would hide her 4 glass birds (little sculptures she had) around the house. My sister and I had to look for them. We had to be very careful while looking so we didnt break them. If we broke one, we lost. If we left drawers/door/cabinets open, we lost.
You would think that we could tie and each find two birds, but it never happened. We would go to mom when we gave up, and she would hide them all over again.
It wasnt until I was an adult did I realize that she never hid a fourth bird. But boy did we spend a *looong* time looking
Madison Taylor 2 years ago
I don't get this.. Is the point to keep them occupied? Sounds like an easy way to make one kid very upset.
BoredPossum 2 years ago
Meh again. My kid would look for 5 seconds and then come get me to help look.
#33
Whenever we go to the grocery store instead of listening to my son(4 years old) cry about all of the stuff he can't have I just tell him he can have one thing and one thing only. So he grabs cookies. Then when we get to the ice cream isle he decides he wants ice cream, then changes to Captain crunch. But every time we go back and put up the last thing he chose. It teaches him to decide what he really wants instead of wanting everything and whining the whole time.
Petra 2 years ago
This can have negative effects too, though. It teaches them that they are entitled to something every time they go to the store. Also, they could easily be eating too much sugar, depending on how often you go to the store. It's not a bad idea, but also not necessary a good idea either.
#34
Put sunscreen on at home, before you get to the beach/pool/park. They know we're not going anywhere till it's on. Saves me from the scramble at the destination because they're always too excited to hold still and I'm in a rush, so it's not a thorough job. Sunscreen takes 20 minutes to kick in anyway.
ohjojo (you/your's) 2 years ago
Most people that they're not using enough sunblock and that it takes at least 20 minutes to start working. Sunblock is a chemical reaction. If you just slap it on when you're already in the sun you're going to start sweating it off immediately.
SmooshyFries 2 years ago
I always put it on at home when my girls were little. I told them SCARECROW and they would stand like a scarecrow on a post and I'd slather them in sunblock
Elisabeth Chai 2 years ago
I also do it before putting on a bathing suit, so no "forgotten" lines around straps that will get burned
Bookworm 2 years ago
Except for a brief period of stubbornness in my early teens, I don't remember putting up much of a fight about sunscreen. I'm ghost pale; the natural consequences of not using it were pretty immediate. Plus we used sunscreen from the now-defunct company Ocean Potion that smelled like fruit loops (later marketed as 'Scent of Sunshine') and I loved the smell.
#35
1. Any food they didn't like was labeled turkey. They are 12 and 8 and only just realized fish isn't turkey. They would always wonder why turkey has so many different flavors and how they like some but not others. 😂
2. Starting as soon as they can walk, ask for help for just about everything. And they will help and enjoy being needed. And when they do tasks and ask for help, help them. They will always help if you teach them to do it as a family instead of an individual task. Clean house...yes, please!
3. Biggest one of all - listen to them. Everything they say to you is really important to them, no matter how stupid it is. And learn what they like, even if it's boring. This comes in handy when they're older.
Performingyak 2 years ago (edited)
Maybe the parent told them any food they didn't want to try was turkey so they would eat it? Like "it's turkey, you eat turkey" .Isn't very well explained.
Load More Replies... Sera 2 years ago
Please don't lie to your kids about what they're eating. It can create a situation where a child can't pinpoint when a specific item is causing a problem (allergic or simply doesn't agree with them) and can start them on the path of refusing all "turkey" or living with anxiety at every meal. And even if they don't ever have a problem, you're creating an older child (and adult) that literally doesn't know what food they actually like.
Joe Publique 2 years ago
"They are 12 and 8 and only just realized fish isn't turkey" - not a good thing...
VioletHunter 2 years ago
Yeah, OP is either lying or these kids are very dumb.
Load More Replies... Madison Taylor 2 years ago
I don't understand #1 either. What is it going to accomplish by calling all foods they dislike "turkey?" Besides confusing them..
Jessie Kate 1 year ago
If your 12 year old can't tell the difference between fish and turkey, you've failed that bit of parenting.
#36
My daughter would run away from me at the grocery store when I had my infant son in the cart. So I put tap shoes on her when we went shopping.
Kate Karnezi 2 years ago
You haven't tried a leash with my daughter. Every single time she would fall and spread herself on the pavement refusing to move, until I set her free, it was very dangerous. Once in the middle of a zebra crossing. Making wear noisy clothes was more effective for me.
Load More Replies...
Petra 2 years ago
Actually, tap shoes aren't too bad. They're like heels or flip-flops. It's not very loud. Definitely much better than the kid shoes that light up and make noise!
Load More Replies...
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Tap shoes on the supermarket floor would be very slippery for a kid
#37
I make kid traps. It works for all ages. I have an early riser, an enthusiastic 5am early riser for many years. Things are better now. During those tough years, my invention came to fruition and age of child is a factor as well as placement of the traps. With little ones. you need traps all over the house and the key spot is right outside the door, placed after the child goes to bed. This is what all those shoes boxes you have are best recycled for. Inside the box you will place a number of surprises. That can entertain the child. really, it can be anything that will not harm them. it could be several rolls of cardboard toilet paper. blocks, a couple of figurines, weird stuff. Again nothing that can harm them. With smaller kids that get into everything, you need these all over the house so that when they open a drawer or cupboard, it's the first thing they find and instead of ripping the tape out of your classic VHS tapes or ripping your comic collection to shreds, they go through all the all the things in the kid trap. You do need to replace items in the boxes frequently. As the child gets older more art supplies should be included, drawing materials, crafty things, pieces of clothing, books, games, stickies. It really works. don't give them stickers. I hate stickers. until they learn to forage. That's code for feed themselves. good luck
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
Mine figured out if she played quietly she wouldn't get in trouble. So we baby proofed her room and put up a gate. She wasn't alone for long, maybe 20 minutes before hubs and I got up.
#38
Routines are great just generally.
Also in the early days making sure the child knows the difference between day and night is really useful in teaching them that night time is quiet time. The amount of friends who get their newborn baby up when it cries in the night and then play with it baffles me.
Polterbean 2 years ago
I think it's more important for newborns to be cared for than to understand night time.
Jane Love 2 years ago
You are still caring for them at night: feeding, rocking, changing them, etc., but if you leave the lights off and don't talk, then it differentiates day/night for them. If you turn on the lights and play with them, then it makes them wider awake.
Load More Replies... Amelia Jade 2 years ago
Is this person saying they're baffled that parents answer the cries of a newborn?
Bec 2 years ago
I think her issue is that they 'play' with it, calm it, then put it back to bed.
Load More Replies... #39
Whenever either of my toddlers was crying or whining in the car, I would point to something invisible out the window and say "hey! do you see that over there?!" By the time they realized they couldn't figure out what I was pointing at, they'd forgotten the reason they were whining. Amazing how many times that worked.
Lizz 2 years ago
I played games: "look for -color/letter/number -" the alphabet game ( teaches them to he alphabet at the same time ) told her to spot animals....... She rode along with me starting age 5 ( I used to drive internationally ) so she was used to being on the road for a long time. I gave her tasks ( look for -number- exit for example ) and just kept her busy until she fell asleep. She rode along occasionally with me for almost 6 years.... Still asked for the games or kept herself busy.
majandess 2 years ago
My son's older (15), and so I asked him to name all 50 US states and write them in a notebook we keep in the glovebox. When we see a license plate from one of the states, we cross it off. We've been through the entire country once. We're most of the way through it the second time.
Load More Replies... Suck it Trebek 2 years ago
Hey kids look a deer. - Clark Griswold before flipping off the driver next to him.
#40
During the years their bedtime is 8pm or earlier, put away your laptop and phone and just say 'yes' to anything they want to play. Much easier for everyone.
Jinx (she/her) 2 years ago
yes, let's play tag 10 minutes before bed, that will surely help them be calm for sleep 🙄. i think it's better to play quiet games, or read, or watch something snuggled up together.
Kim Kermes 2 years ago
I think they mean before and after supper, not right before bed. Focus on your little children instead of devices, there's time after they're in bed.
Load More Replies...
Agent of Karma 2 years ago
I know someone who started wrestling games just before bedtime, and learned to regret it.
#41
When my kids disagree or are arguing I will give them a false dilemma. For example, we are going to dinner and my daughter wants to go to restaurant A and my son wants to go to Restaurant B. We decide to go to Restaurant B but tell my daughter that she gets to pick where everyone sits. FYI, it works on co-workers fairly well too.
#42
I have triplets and when they were small and losing it I would put a post-it note on my own forehead and never mention it. I would come and do the usual stuff to see what the tantrum was about with post-it note on and they would stop for a second and be like “what is on your face” loosening the locked internal gears of their minds. It still works at six years however I now usually have to draw something funny on my face (like angry cartoon eyebrows). Hope this helps someone.
#43
Two best pieces of advice that i got: 1. Pick your battles. Example, Teenage son wanted to bleach his hair. I think: Permanent? No. Will it affect college, relationships or career? No. Ok, son, i will take you to a salon, and we will do it right. Son: eh, nevermind. 2. Once they get to their teenage years, all you can really do is help them get through it. *this advice given early implying if you give them a solid foundation, hopefully you have prepared them and have a good relationship with them. Other than six months of total crazy his jr year, his adolescence was pretty painless for both of us.
Sandra Morison 2 years ago
Absolutely, both my sons had highlights, colours, long hair, short hair as teenagers. Got to wear whatever they were happy in .Now one (27 ) has an ear piercing and 2 tattoos, long hair the other (30) has none and short hair. Every child is an individual
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
Yeah it's all about gaining some perspective. Way back in the mid 80s when I was a teenager, I got my nose pierced. Not many people had a nose piercing back then, and people would comment to my mom about it. Mom's response? "It's not like she's doing heroin."
#44
If you have treats, give them to one child to hand out to the others. Siblings have a lot of negative interactions. There's jealousy, competition for resources, perceived injustices. You have to create opportunities for them to have positive interactions. The simplest way of doing this is with treats. If you're passing out cookies, give them both to Child 1 and say: "here, this one's for you and take the other to your sister". (Obviously you need to be right there to see that they do it, lol.) There's nothing nicer than to see a kid saying to another kid: "here, this is for you" and the other kid saying "thanks!" It warms your heart, and they actually really enjoy it, too. Same goes with gifts, good news etc. "Hey LO, tell your little brother we're going to the beach tomorrow"— that kind of thing. They'll cherish the memories, too.
#45
Dont take the tablets away, take the chargers away. They have to ration the battery and helps em become less dependent on it.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Depends on age. As a teenager I would just go round to my friends house if my parent took my charger and then charge my phone there.
Deborah B 2 years ago
"The tablet can only charge when it's switched off, and it takes overnight." Will limit tablet time. If the battery life is to long, just unplug it once it's half charged.
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
I'm not a fan of lies, it sometimes doesn't end well decades later
Load More Replies...
#46
Let your baby watch you fall asleep.
If it's their bedtime, don't play on your phone or read a book. They are following your lead. So be boring, close your eyes, and be still and quiet, and they will learn to, too.
Debra Timah 2 years ago
I remember being small, and my mom sitting at my bedside telling me something like, "Get into bed, turn out the lights, close your eyes, and say "good night". " I remember it was a revelation to me that I should close my eyes when I wanted to go to sleep.
#47
Not a parent but a preschool teacher! If a certain child doesn't want to wear their jacket while outside, we'll usually just slip it on backwards & zip it up the back; it's harder for them to get off, they always think it's so silly, and they'll use the hood as an extra pocket (usually for wood chips and dirt lol)
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Same with little ones sleeping bags when they go to bed. When they get old enough to unzip it put it on the other way round. Doesn't worj for twins because they just unzip eachothers!
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I'm also a preschool teacher and am a believer of not forcing children to wear jackets if they don't want to. It teaches them to recognise what it feels like to be cold and that a jacket is the remedy. Obviously there are some exceptions, like if a child has special needs, or if it is so cold they will catch hypothermia before noticing they are cold (which doesn't really happen where I live) but for the most part, children know if they are cold.
#48
If a child falls or gets hurt, let THEM tell you how much they're hurting. Never react until they do. If one of my kids fell (I was a nanny, not a mom) my first reaction would be to hold for a second or two and evaluate if I saw any real problems (blood, etc), follow up with a calm "Op, you okay?" If a parent or authority figure freaks out every time they fall, it teaches them that minor scrapes and bruises are really something to freak out over. A kid knows when he's really hurt, and he'll let you know. If it's just a bump, they don't panic because you're not panicking. Part of growing up means figuring out what pain is and learning how much isn't a big deal.
Nurichwersonst 2 years ago
When my son tripped and fell i always asked if he found something - no? - why are you throwing yourself down then? Normally he would laugh, shrug and continue walking... he only cried if it really hurt bad.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Also don't run over to them every time like there's some big emergency. Then they just start crying when they want you to come to them
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
If my kids tripped and fell on the ground or fell on to something they'd start crying and I'd immediately come over and start telling off the ground/table/chair/whatever. "NO BAD TABLE! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT TO INSERT NAME HERE! THAT'S IT, TABLE, NO TV FOR YOU!" The kids would settle down pretty quickly and start laughing at me, because it was all just so ridiculous and OTT.
Littlebunnyfufu 2 years ago
Human beings are wired for co-regulation (ie if you're calm and attuned it helps to regulate your child's/partner's physiological response and instill a feeling of safety and security - there's more science-y terms for this and more complexity to it, but that's it in a nutshell). To all the lovely parents out there, I see you and know that it's waaaay easier said than done. So many hugs to you all!
Sera 2 years ago
I discovered this by accident when I was a teenager. My little toddler cousin fell off the plastic kids' picnic table in the yard. I asked her if she was okay and she said yes immediately, and then started crying because she had scared herself. We were able to get past the crying pretty quickly because we both knew she wasn't actually hurt and she just needed a hug and a reminder to be careful.
#49
I use my toddler's fierce independence as a weapon against him.
When he refuses to do something, like clean up, I threaten to do it for him.
His boiling rage at the thought of anyone helping him blinds him and he does whatever I told him to before I have a chance to steal his glory.
Joe Publique 2 years ago
Best not to encourage this toxic trait long-term. Better to explain why we should clean up and ask when he wants to do it. Now, or after dinner etc.
#50
When you feel like yelling, start singing instead. It helps you exert that extra little bit of energy without screaming.
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
*blackest Sabbath 1997 noise intensifies*
Load More Replies... Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Also it might calm down the kids you're yelling at because they'll just start laughing at you
#51
I made the kids ‘choose’ they’re own car seats. Made it ‘theirs’, and that no one else can sit in it. This pride of ownership made them fine and okay with always getting and sitting in their carseats til they no longer needed them. Never a screaming match like I’ve seen with other people’s kids.
#52
Not a parent, but I worked at a daycare. Instead of saying “no” all of the time when they are younger, try to say “no thank you” instead. I thought it was weird when I started, but they respond to it so much better. Also, if they’re being really naughty, a firm “no” will sound more alarming and serious too.
#53
Not a parent but babysitting I had two tricks: -always count down time to prevent surprises, no matter how much of a routine it is ("15 minutes until pajama time!" "10 minutes until brush teeth!" "5 minutes until bed time") helps ease them into the s**t they hate so they don't get blindsided by it while they're having fun. -The second trick was to turn anything I could into a game if I got the sense they were wanting to be difficult. I babysat 3 kids for a few years and any time they started to get tantrumy about brushing their teeth we'd play a game; I brush the oldest kid's teeth, the oldest one brushes the middle kids teeth, the middle kid brushes the youngest, and the youngest brushes mine (cause I can touch up the worst job later) By the end of it everyone is laughing and having a good time. Or we make teams and race, me and the youngest vs the two older kids. You don't always have the time and energy but on the rare occasions you do, you may as well have a bit of fun.
Debra Timah 2 years ago
My babysitting trick for tantrums was to hold the child upside down - the novelty of looking at things upside down distracts them from the tantrum and puts them in a better mood.
#54
When you go grocery shopping with a small child, park near the cart corral. You don't have to play the awkward game of choosing to leave your child in the cart or the car when returning the cart. Make them feel a sense of control by giving reasonable choices. "Do you want to walk to bed or be carried?" "Do you want to wear the blue shoes or the red ones?" "Would you like cheese or a banana for snack?"
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I don't have kids and I do this, because often that walk to and from feels like walking through mud after being in the supermarket.
#56
For an infant? Babywearing. Hands are free, kid is pretty chill, strangers can’t grab or grope. And the book “The Magic Years”by Selma Fraiberg For older kids- I didn’t tell them “No” with no explanation. Instead I’d say “that’s dirty.” Or “That’s not for babies.” Or “that’s hot” whatever the core issue was. When they got to 2, they didn’t parrot back “No!” About everything. I Wrapped a cheap bottle of air freshener with a piece of paper labeled “monster spray” and spritzed the closet and under the bed to repel any monsters from the room during that developmental stage. Kid went on a sleepover and asked his aunt if she had monster spray because he was worried. She was quick on her feet and told him she has an exterminator that sprays monthly for bugs and monsters. He slept fine. He’s a grown man, has no memory of the spray but still has a strong love of the particular scent I used! Get a cheap stopwatch, challenge kid to see how fast they can run to the mailbox and back, or how fast can they go to the end of the yard and back. Even without someone to race, they seem to like the novelty of being timed to do anything. It got my kids worn out before starting the bedtime routine. If they’re getting bored on the playground and not playing, make up a scavenger hunt or obstacle course. “Go see if you can go up yellow stairs then through a blue tunnel and then down a red slide.” “See if you can find me 15 pinecones” “how big of a tower can you build out of these woodchips?” They suddenly have some direction and aren’t bored. (You can also do this with sticks or pinecones in the yard before cutting the grass! “How big of a pile can you make in 5 minutes?”) Never ask a yes/no question. When they are teenagers that don’t want to talk about those day. Offer to drive them somewhere with a friend. Turn the radio louder in the back and quiet in the front. They’ll speak loudly to each other over the radio and assume you can’t hear them. You’ll get all the good gossip.
That Goth Demon (zey/zem) 2 years ago
Or with the last one... maybe respect your teen's privacy sometimes?
Aelin Wildfire 1 year ago
Buddy, it's not privacy if they're in the car with you.... And if someone really wants privacy, they're not going to risk their parent hearing at all.
Load More Replies... Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
When trying to get ready to go somewhere it would be 'can you run upstairs get your socks on and get back down here in 40 seconds?' and then we got in the car really quickly
#57
Teach your kids to describe tastes instead of just saying “I like it or I don’t like it”, and don’t allow the word “yucky” or “gross”. Crunchy, soft, chewy, creamy, crispy, salty, sweet, bitter, green, slippery, juicy, rough, hard, fruity, meaty, mild, spicy, hot, cold, and gritty are all good ones. When you’re trying a new food, the rule is that they need to try a few bites and describe exactly what it tastes like. So celery could be crunchy and stringy and strong but mild at the same time. Salmon with panko crusting is salty and soft but with a bit of crunch and tastes good with a bit of sour lemon on it. Tomatoes are slippery and mild and not really sweet or sour, but they taste good with a little salt and the heat from pepper. It gets kids more interested in experiencing food instead of judging it just based on whether they think they will like it. It prevents a bit of “I don’t like it”, “you’ve never tried it so how do you know you don’t like it”, “I just know” kind of scenarios, and helps them describe why they like or don’t care for certain foods. I don’t expect my kids to eat everything and tell me they love it, but I do expect them to ty it and give it a fair chance. It’ll also help prevent embarrassment if you take them to someone’s home and have them be like “BUT I DON’T LIKE _____” if you teach them to simply say “it’s not my favourite” or “can I have more of _____ and just three bites of _____”. It’ll also help them learn what they need to do to foods that aren’t their favourite to make them enjoy them more - plain avocado might not be their jam, but with salt and pepper or mixed into guacamole, it’s actually pretty good. Cauliflower raw or roasted might not be their favourite, but cooked and puréed into a creamy soup with bacon and green onions and shredded cheddar is their favourite. You’ll learn what flavours your kid likes and you can use this to alter recipes to make them more palatable. I learned that my son who I thought hated meat actually just struggled with drier cuts, so I choose thighs or ground meats or make sure that it’s got a sauce of sorts. My older son likes cheese on its own but not always on things, so he’ll often have a deconstructed version of whatever we are eating so he can pair things as he likes, while my youngest eats better with food mixed together.
AnnaRachelle 2 years ago
I have always allowed my little girl to try whatever I am eating. Bites me in the bump now as she always wants my jacket potato skin and that's my favourite part!
#58
When any of her kids (me included) would start up the endless "why?" cycle, my mom would ask us "why do *you* think it's like that?" in response. More often than not, it put any one of us on the spot to have to mull something over and stop (or at least slow) the cycle. If nothing else, I think it taught me how to better word my questions to get a more effective answer. I always hated when adults would say "because I said so" when really they didn't know any more than I did.
#59
Best advice we ever got from our doctor - babies don't have a good circadian rhythm and rely on us to set one for them. Pick a time that you're going to go to quiet time - basically turn out lights, TV off and/or volume down, do quiet activities, sit still, etc. We did this with our first child and it became the center of our evening routine. Now my son is 3 and knows that when the clock says "7-0-0" it means "settle down time" and helps to turn the lights out. A routine is key -- our kids do great transitioning from one setting to another like home and school, on vacation, etc. I mean, they're little a-hole toddlers a lot of the time, but that's expected with toddlers.
Montanavanna 2 years ago
My kids always want to watch TV before bed. I am not a TV on to sleep person and did not want to get them over stimulated before bed. So, an hour before they get to pick out a nature documentary (octopus is the go-to at the moment). After the 30 min or so, it turns off, and they go lay in bed. That time the nature show is on they naturally calm down. It is pavlovian at this point.
#60
Have a baby who turns away as you're about to wipe their face? "Wipe" your own face first. The nonverbal communication allows the baby to understand what's happening. Might not work at first, but keep at it. The child will start to let you wipe.
#61
Let them be messy sometimes. I'm a neat freak so this was hard for me at first. Doesn't matter what kind of home you have, just put them in the tub with those bath paints, or tape some trash bags to a kid table or the ground and let them paint. Don't worry about the mess, they will have fun and it's building good memories. This one is kind of mean, but eh? When one of my kids wants something I'm eating, I just say "you don't like this, remember?" 😁
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
We got those rolls of paper and some finger paints and mum would tape a long strip of paper to the floor to colour or paint
#62
The best hack is to treat your children and your spouse with the love, respect, and dignity you expect for yourself. And to as much as possible guide and lead rather than decree and enforce. All family dynamics flow from this principle in all settings. As for gimmicky things: For my early grade school aged children, they are only asked to fully organize their room and playroom occasionally or before multifamily house parties. The playroom had a walk-in closet with a keyed doorknob. Any time that they do not straighten up their toys as asked. there is no argument. They are given a final warning and then I simply clean for them, dispassionately. Anything I pick up is bagged and goes into the locked closet until they earn it back through chores. This process forces compliance with cleaning and organizing requests, provides collateral for negotiation, and eliminates clutter they do not really care about.
Daya Meyer 2 years ago
A befriended couple insisted that their son has to tidy up his room on his own from a very young age (2 or 3 years old). But they never showed him how you tidy up, he was just expected to know how to store his toys properly. And the amount of toys would have overwhelmed me easily If I would have been the one to do it. There were piles of plushies, legos, cars... It was hard to see the floor under all these piles. Most of the times he would play in the living room or near at his room door because there was a little bit of room left to shut it. I had talked about this nonsense several times but his parents just told me: "He will learn that one day." But how?
#63
Not a parent but a trick my dad told me for when we were little; if u want to sleep in, turn the heat down. The cold makes the kids sleep longer. Super simple and probably well known.
#64
If you have a toddler who likes to get naked when they're supposed to be sleeping you can cut the feet off of footie pajamas and put them on them backwards (with the zipper on their back) and then they won't be able to get them off.
#65
“Go touch your door”. It’s a minor reset that stops a behavior or ends an argument. Refusing gets upgraded to “go to room and stay”. “They usually opt quickly for the first choice thus effectively diffusing whatever behavior needed attention.
#66
Bubbles! Seriously magical. For especially long car rides or traffic or just for fun. Keep some bubbles up front (cupholder ideally), turn on the a/c or fan, hold bubble wand up & instant stream of happiness! I’ve found myself doing this alone in cranky traffic jams & open the windows to spread the mirth and glee. Also, have tiny bubble bottles (like wedding favor sized) and easy to share with others in need out & about.
Sue Garnhum 2 years ago
Unfortunately, you'll be left with wet, sticky upholstery. Also, if the bubbles get in the eyes of the person driving, that could cause an accident!
Bec 2 years ago
I initially thought she meant give the kids bubbles to blow! And pictured bubbles hitting the windshied!
Load More Replies... #67
If you’re in a situation with more than 1 kid under the age of 8, and they are dawdling you can motivate them by telling them the first one done is the winner.
#68
Whenever my son goes to have a snack or a treat I tell him. “Let me taste it to make sure it’s not poison”. So free bites of snacks is cool Before anyone gets too crazy, he knows it’s not real and has actually started taking my food to make sure it’s not poison. So it worked for a while now it has begun to backfire.... like most parenting tricks.
#69
If your kid is doing something that’s annoying you, don’t yell at them for doing it, instead praise them for not doing it ( even if it’s only briefly). Instead of being pissy they will gratefully embrace the good behavior.
#70
Two things: Give them small chores as soon as they can start simple reasoning (generally age 3-4). Make the chores fun, like feeding a pet every day. As they grow older, give more difficult chores. When they do chores without being asked, give a reward (not food - either monetary or a coupon for something they like to do). My daughter's "reward" was she would get to walk the dog. See where I'm going here? She was getting paid $30 a month as an 8 year old. She was walking the dog three times a day, feeding the dog and cat, and bringing the laundry to the laundry room every day. Eventually we started her on dishes and laundry also and increased her pay. We rotated all the chores except for walking the dog, she loved that one. The second thing is don't put up with their s**t when they are toddlers. You as a parent know when your child is crying because they didn't get their way. When this happens, explain to them that it's ok to be upset, and it's ok to cry, but they're going to do it in time out - and when she's done crying, she can come out. About the third time my 3 year old daughter saw that I meant it, she wouldn't even make it to time out. She'd start to cry about whatever, and I'd point to time out and she'd get three steps toward time out and say "Ok *sniff* I'm done". You might think this is a small thing, but it transitions very nicely into a healthy parental obedience when they are in middle and even high school. Also, If there are two parental figures in the house, you have to be on the same page. Try not to disagree with each other in front of the child. If your partner disciplines the kid for something, and you don't agree, ask to speak to them in the other room or bring it up later. My daughter is 17, super well behaved, respectful to everyone, does great in school, and still does our dishes and laundry :)
#71
Give the baby a small toy while changing him and he won’t stick his hands in his own s**t. My son used to rip off his own diaper (without even touching the actual diaper, don’t ask me how bc I don’t know) just to try to touch his poop🤦🏼♀️
#72
The first 3 minutes when they wake up, the first 3 minutes when you fetch them from school and the last 3 minutes before they go to sleep - try to be calm, present and loving for those 9 minutes a day.
#73
Saying “peanut butter” directly after swearing. I have a 6 & 4 year old that have never repeated a cuss word. However, my friend’s autistic daughter (11) called me out on it immediately. I consider it an unmitigated success, still.
#74
Make ice pops, frozen water with a stick in it. When you want to reward them or if they are sad/hurt give them a ice pop. It's just water (which is good) and no sugar and kids love them. Learned this at the preschool and worked until age 6 or so.
JLo 2 years ago
Stay off your phones when you are with your child, and don't use screens to pacify them. If you are pushing your baby in a stroller, talk to them, not to someone else on your phone. If you are in a restaurant with your kids, talk to them: don't give them an ipad to keep them quiet. If your toddler is in the grocery cart you are pushing, talk to them, don't be scrolling on your phone. When your kids sees that your phone is more important to you than they are, it will have a long-lasting effect on them and on your relationship to them.
#75
Let them use odd items to eat with. Spatulas are great spoon surrogates for example. When they’re a little older you can let them choose.
#76
He who pays for the wifi, is God. Changing a password goes a long way in kid world.
AnnaRachelle 2 years ago
This worked with mu son. He is Autistic and was attacking teachers in class. When he would come home I would tell him there was no Internet for the evening and that we would start again in the morning and hope for a better day. He is now in his 2nd year of University studying IT
#77
Obligatory not a parent but please don’t be like “oh you like this” when your child says they don’t. First of all it shows that you aren’t willing to listen to their opinion, and if they don’t like it and you think it’s in their best interest to like it, state why they should like it instead of just being like “eat it.” My parents do that to me all the time to things I really don’t like, and instead of making me want to try it it just makes me hate it and gain a form of resentment. I already have issues with my mom so this is kinda biased but if your child doesn’t like you that much don’t do that that just is really bad. Reward based behavior works much better than punishment. Also, I am proof that you need to follow through with discipline because I know I can get what I want from my mom if I beg enough. I know this is bad but I’m still a human and I want what I want and am willing to do what’s necessary to get it. Honestly I hate the way I’m acting and I know it’s bad behavior but I can’t seem to stop it. I’m such a f*****g a*****e
Jumping Jellyfishes 2 years ago
I didn't see this one on here, but very important: kids learn EVERYTHING from you in the early years. They are little mimics. If you yell and throw little tantrums in front of them over things that frustrate you, they learn that's okay to do. All your bad behaviors will be mirrored back to you, BUT -- also all your good behaviors, too. Teach them by example (e.g., kids learn to be polite when you are polite to them).
#78
I’ve heard that if a baby doesn’t want to go to sleep, you can gently blow on their eyes to get them to close them and eventually drift off.
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Daya Meyer 2 years ago
So parenting is treating children like decent and real humans depending on their age. Hm. How surprising.
A Jones 2 years ago
I'm not a parent, but I'm an aunt of 3 young kids. My sister is doing early intro with gentle teeth brushing with her kids as soon as they sprouted their teeth. Good habits start as soon as possible.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Yes! And the little ones love being part of the older kids and brushing their teeth with their siblings
Load More Replies... Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
When my younger siblings were being fussy and refusing to eat food we found it worked amazing if we have them a round of applause after each mouthful. They found it hilarious and loved the attention so kept eating. I'm not meaning like when they had only a bit left on their plate and were full I mean them being classic toddlers and whining that they don't like the things they liked yesterday. It works up to age 5 roughly. After that they pretend not to like it but you can tell they absolutely do and it still often works they're just trying to be a big kid
mysterious(all pronouns) 2 years ago
Also, remember that children are individuals, and what works wonderfully for some might not work at all for others. It's just a matter of trial and error, and trying your best.
Cursed Starscream 2 years ago
give those little creatures access to tumblr if they keep asking you to let them download snapchat or anything else like that. if they dont get driven away by how weird it is there, its okay too, just means youve introduced that child to their people and they are now content there because no other social media site has people like tumblr that they connected with.
Daya Meyer 2 years ago
So parenting is treating children like decent and real humans depending on their age. Hm. How surprising.
A Jones 2 years ago
I'm not a parent, but I'm an aunt of 3 young kids. My sister is doing early intro with gentle teeth brushing with her kids as soon as they sprouted their teeth. Good habits start as soon as possible.
Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
Yes! And the little ones love being part of the older kids and brushing their teeth with their siblings
Load More Replies... Lydsylou (she/her) 2 years ago
When my younger siblings were being fussy and refusing to eat food we found it worked amazing if we have them a round of applause after each mouthful. They found it hilarious and loved the attention so kept eating. I'm not meaning like when they had only a bit left on their plate and were full I mean them being classic toddlers and whining that they don't like the things they liked yesterday. It works up to age 5 roughly. After that they pretend not to like it but you can tell they absolutely do and it still often works they're just trying to be a big kid
mysterious(all pronouns) 2 years ago
Also, remember that children are individuals, and what works wonderfully for some might not work at all for others. It's just a matter of trial and error, and trying your best.
Cursed Starscream 2 years ago
give those little creatures access to tumblr if they keep asking you to let them download snapchat or anything else like that. if they dont get driven away by how weird it is there, its okay too, just means youve introduced that child to their people and they are now content there because no other social media site has people like tumblr that they connected with.
You May Like “Vain, Selfish, Unloving Sociopath”: 26 Moments In Which Parents Realized Their Kids Are Monsters Mom Worried That Her Kids Are Very Unpleasant, Says They're Embarrassing 44 Wholesome, Funny And Goofy Photos That Perfectly Sum Up What It Means To Be A Dad (New Pics)
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Indrė Lukošiūtė
Greta Jaruševičiūtė
Related on Bored Panda
