“Don’t argue with me” is Maddy’s favorite saying no days.
Today while in ECFE we were talking about asserting independence. I brought up how much she loves to say this. And although I know it is my fault because I use that. I wasn’t expecting it to get turned around. Or to be told no from my daughter.
But then the parent teacher said “Do you want your girls to say no at 16.”
And it fell into perspective. No I don’t want to be disrespected by my children but I want to teach them how to say no, how to stand up for themselves and how to not be disrespected.
So I am taking a new look at it, giving the option to say no to things when it doesn’t really matter. Giving her the power and teaching her how to respectfully say no.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Absolutely. Great perspective!
Love it! I never would have thought to put that spin on it.
great new way to look at it, Carrie! I have such a hard time with “NO”, too; not when it doesn’t matter so much, but when I really want/need him to do something (usually quickly) and he says NO and runs away. I’m going to try to give him opportunities to say “no” respectfully as a choice, too…. we’ll just have to keep at it!