It is the never ending battle.
Daughter: Mommy, can I jump off the back of the sofa?
Me: Nope, pretty sure that's not a good idea, you could get hurt.
Daughter: Why not?
Me: Didn't I just tell you why not? You could get hurt, the answer is no.
Daughter: Please? Pretty please? Oh please, oh please, oh please?
Me: No means no to me, what does it mean to you?
We go through this battle almost daily now. I don't remember questioning my parents like this when I was her age. Maybe I did and just don't remember. I have tried my best to be consistent in no meaning no. If I say maybe, that's one thing but if I say no, no amount of begging, whining nor pleading will change my mind. Why is this such a hard thing for a five year old to get?
I have also decided that begging, whining and pleading are the second most annoying activities that my daughter participates in. The first would be the questioning of whether or not I really meant no. One of us may not survive this life lesson...
I always follow up with
ReplyDelete"Has the begging and pleading EVER changed my mind?"
"No."
"Yes, but it has gotten you grounded."
That usually ends it quick.