Amy at Resourceful Mommy started a really neat challenge today that I’m excited to be a part of. Every day, for 30 days, a challenge will be suggested for the following day for us to attempt and stick with. The hope is that we can change one very simple thing each day and the overall affect is general improvement in our lives; especially in the focus area of each challenge.
The first challenge?
Parenting Challenge – Day One
Throughout the entire day tomorrow, say the word “no” to your children as infrequently as possible.
This challenge does not require that you allow them to do things that are unsafe or break major rules in your home. It asks two things of you as a parent. First, as parents our knee-jerk response is no instead of yes. How many times in a day do you say no when yes would have been just fine and your child would have been much happier? So it’s fifteen minutes until dinner and he wants to get out the Play-Doh. Would you all be happier if you have a bit more clean-up before setting the table, but he hears a yes instead of one more no in his day filled with boundaries? The other part of this challenge asks that you take a look at your word choice. Rather than shutting down your child with a no, can you offer a positive redirect as an alternative?
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This is a great idea! I’ll try to follow along.