As a parent, I want to limit tantrums and meltdowns. It’s embarrassing when my kid throws a screaming fit in the check-out aisle because I said no to a “Birthday Cake Kit Kat” bar. (Who dreams up these flavors?) And while I want to avoid all forms of embarrassment, I also want my tiny humans to feel good and be happy. I want them to grow into well-adapted adults who make the world better.
I'm loth to apply labels on things, but this is what i aim for with my kid, and what we've been doing basically since birth. Just thinking the child knows what she wants even if she gets the details a bit wrong due to inexperience. It's made life a lot easier tbh. Of course, some folks tell us we're basically getting yanked around and "manipulated" by a child, but we don't listen to those people.
i can't believe i used to think things like "oh kids wont remember anything in the first couple of years of their life" because kids are much smarter and observant than we give them credit for very young, and respecting that leads to much better results so far.
As we enter the terrible twos, this becomes even more important to follow, though way harder. Especially since those who are more authoritarian have an easier time short term. But I've seen the results and it gives me strength to keep going.
I'm loth to apply labels on things, but this is what i aim for with my kid, and what we've been doing basically since birth. Just thinking the child knows what she wants even if she gets the details a bit wrong due to inexperience. It's made life a lot easier tbh. Of course, some folks tell us we're basically getting yanked around and "manipulated" by a child, but we don't listen to those people.
i can't believe i used to think things like "oh kids wont remember anything in the first couple of years of their life" because kids are much smarter and observant than we give them credit for very young, and respecting that leads to much better results so far.
As we enter the terrible twos, this becomes even more important to follow, though way harder. Especially since those who are more authoritarian have an easier time short term. But I've seen the results and it gives me strength to keep going.
Great point. Thank you!