No, Has to Mean No!

Have you ever noticed what happens when you say No to your child??

Sometimes they accept your decision with a simple shrug of their shoulders

But what about the times when they don't ........

I have seen mine, plead, beg, cry, put on sad

puppy eyes,

Argue, Rage, Throw things etc

But no matter how it affects me as an aftermath

If I say No, I Mean No!!!!!

Can you imagine the manipulations a child would use if they found a system that turns a parents No into a weary Yes!!!

Gone would be our disciplined child

Even the one time we did back down, your child will always remember the one time you did back down and know that if they try hard enough, you gave in once before so it is always possible you can back down again.

My children know from experience that when I say No, I mean No
Even if it means I suffer too

I try my hardest and believe myself to be a fair mum!
I don't use the word No too freely with my boys, if I tell them No I make sure I am able to justify my reasons for it.
It may be too dangerous, not enough time, not suitable..........
I would not sit in front of the boys and tell them they are not allowed any sweets whilst sitting down enjoying my bar of chocolate
Now that would be asking for trouble!!!!

I have had to deal with all manners of response to the word No
A perfect example of this would be that my boys are besotted with the Sport of WWF (Wrestling)
I HATE IT!
I do not allow them to watch or play it in my home, however they are allowed this sport with their dad
I allow no tolerance to this activity whatsoever
I consider it highly dangerous, I believe children do not register the fact that WWF is actually choreographed, they copy the moves and someone ends up hurt whether slight injuries or far more serious.
The boys know that I always come down hard on them  Wrestling.
Does it stop them?????
Sadly no, but they do know that when I tell them to stop, that unless they do stop I will follow through with a suitable punishment

My 10 year old is capable of the most violent rages and also coming out with the most hurtful words and accusations when he is told No!
As an ADHD child I know he does not mean the things he says.....
BUT
When is being told you are the worst Mum in the world from your child ever going to be easy listening
I know after a 10 minute time out I will get an hug and an apology but it hurts and he knows it.
However he also knows and is learning it is also a pointless exercise
Mum will not back down

Because when I say No........I mean NO!!!!