When
No Gets You Nowhere 2nd Edition
$11.00 plus $3.95 S&H
The First 6 Years- Teaching Your Child Self Control
By Mark L. Brenner
This is
not a book about self-esteem or the effects of saying “no” on a
child’s self-worth. It is a book about teaching toddlers and children
inner self-control by the way in which we tell them “no” and, more
importantly, how we act when they inevitably do transgress. For a young toddler,
or child, rarely does the word no just mean stop! It’ s a small word that
carries with it big emotional consequences. Most words or expressions that are
overused eventually lose their power and meaning. Not so with the word no. You
will soon see when children are bombarded with hearing the word no, its negative
effects are cumulative and become more significant and ubiquitous over time.
It’ s a simple word that carries multiple subtle meanings that will follow
a child outside his or her home, from classroom to classroom to every aspect
of life. Perhaps it’ s ironic that all toddlers pass through a fierce
“saying no” phase that reflects the intensity and duration of how
and when we say “no” to them.
The word
no is arguably the most overused, negatively applied word in the parenting repertoire.
Almost from day one (straight from the hospital), some parents believe this
is the word, the only word, that will teach and stop behavior. They carry the
word with them like a weapon, feeling prepared, confident, and ready to protect.
“No,
don’t touch that.”
“No, don’t go near that.”
“No, that’s not for you.”
“No, don’t put that in your mouth.”
Parents
should understand that saying the word no frequently and too early to infants
has little or no positive value in their development. As a matter of fact, over
time it can diminish enthusiasm and curiosity. If you’re concerned about
an infant touching something dangerous, it's best to pick the child up and place
him or her somewhere safer. Don’t make a moment an event! Just acknowledge
what your child is looking at and quietly change his or her direction. “I
see you want to touch the stapler.”
Outside
of imminent or potential danger (see chapter 6), infants and young toddlers
should be allowed to touch, pick up, taste, or drop objects without intervention
or interruption. Their home is their laboratory. This is their primary environment,
which should provide a sense of safety and confidence about exploring.
Of course
you must always keep a watchful eye. The wisdom of knowing when to intervene
is the key here. For example, does scratching the screen door with their fingers
or playing with the guard gate require intervention or observation? These are
the early stages when your toddler begins to notice your trust in him by what
you’re willing to let him do. (It goes without saying that expensive or
favorite family objects should be put away during this stage!) When a toddler
reaches for a new object, just supervise his behavior. Let him see your patience
and trust. Many parents say, “I can’t let my infant or toddler throw
things”; “I can’t let her run free”; “She has
to learn now to respect things.” She will. The timing to teaching such
lessons is key.
When parents
consistently interfere too quickly in their child’s play, they are sending
the message, “You can’t do it, you need help.” In turn, the
child may feel helpless. Solution: Look for their cue first. Likewise, a child
who continues to signal for help after being frustrated and then does not receive
it may wind up abandoning that activity altogether. This kind of pattern can
lead to a child not wanting to complete tasks and moving from one activity to
another. Even a 3-year-old would rather appear as if he doesn’t want to
do something rather than being unable to do something. Armed with this kind
of understanding, you can now better read your child’s expression that
says, “I need help or an explanation now!” Timing is everything.