How often do we respond to a childs request by saying ‘no’ only to be worn down by negotiations, arguments, tantrums, whining and over-explaining?   Saying “no” translates instead to, “I’ll begin by saying no, but depending on my mood, where we are, who is watching, our energy level and overall stamina…then keep trying and I may very well give in”

We all love to see our children happy. Nothing warms our hearts more than hearing the squeals of delight as our little cherub unwraps the paper to reveal a much sought after new toy. I for one, will never forget the look on my sons face upon receiving a surfboard last Christmas when he had no idea it was coming.   We love to give our children what we can, and there is no shame in that, as long as it is balanced with gratitude and the notion that, in the words of Mick Jagger, “you can’t always get what you want”.  Because what we dont like to see, is children who whine for just one more,  [Read more...]