Overcoming Resistance With Play
- Posted by MetropolisMom on June 16th, 2008 filed in Smart Parenting, Toddlers
Photo by media.rd.com
The key to handling battles with your toddler is to keep things light. Using humor to counter his resistance is often a good way to prevent a battle of wills, as long as you do not overplay the humor card and give your child the idea that you do not take his concerns seriously.
Here are some ways that you can meet resistance playfully. The idea with all of these gambits is not to make fun of your child but to turn his oppositions into a game that the two of you can share.
Exaggerate your own reaction
Say something to your child such as “Oh, my goodness! You are not going to lie down for your nap? What am I going to do?” Pretend to start crying (but don’t do it so realistically that you frighten him), or fall back in your chair in mock despair.
Imitate the resistance
If your toddler won’t eat, then say with a wink, “If you won’t eat, then I won’t either Nosirreee! You can’t make me do it! Don’t even try!”
Beg dramatically
Say to your child, “Oh, pleeeeeeease! Pleeeeease, oh powerful one, put on your coat for me!”
Play the Yes-No Game
Your child says no, question it in a singsong voice: “Nooooooo? Do you mean yessssss?” When he says no again, say, “Yesssss….” After several rounds, quickly say, “Okay, no!” Often children respond by laughing and saying, “Yes!”
Read more about How to Potty Train Your Toddler Here.
June 16th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Hi,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for the inspiring comments. I really appreciate that. Your post on how to overcome your child’s resistance to the things you want him to do will surely come in handy during testing times. It’s really hard to overcome our children’s resistance. Thanks for the useful post. God bless.
June 16th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Hi Mel Avila Alarilla!
Thanks for visiting. I enjoy reading your blog. Do visit Metropolismom again.
Cheers!
June 17th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Hi, These ideas could even work with older children, if you gear them towards older kids language. My daughter is 8 yrs old now but I still have a hard time getting her to do what she’s supposed to. She’s kinda stubborn! A little coaxing with play, never hurts! Thanks for sharing these tips. Also thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! Have a good day :)
June 17th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Hi Sue,
Thanks for visiting Metropolismom. I agree with you that also works with older children. Do visit me always for more updates.
Cheers!
Metropolismom :-)
June 20th, 2008 at 3:00 am
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