No means no, even when you're saying it to your child. For many parents, no quickly turns to maybe or even yes once they're bombarded by cries, whines and pouts. At the time it might seem easier to give up and give in than deal with the fallout, but in reality, look at the message that you're sending for your child. They'll quickly become in tune with the fact that pitching a fit will always get them what they want. {relatedarticles}The secret is to pick up new techniques for teaching your child that no means no. It goes without saying that "no" has become a four-letter word that children hear as many as 400 times a day, according to some experts. Perhaps the best way to tell your child "no" is not by saying it. For starters, when a child asks for something, respond with "yes, later." This will usually work to hold them off for the time being, and most children will forget all about their request.
If your child is having a meltdown over something, try to distract them with something else. Get them engaged in a commercial, a song, a picture book or anything that will distract them from their original request. Express yourself. If your child is doing something like hitting, biting or smacking, explain to the child how these acts make you feel. Try saying, "When you hit your brother, that makes me sad." {relatedarticles}You want your child to feel concern that he or she is having an effect on others. Present your child with another option. If she wants a bag of M&Ms, offer up an apple or a bag of popcorn instead. By offering up an alternative, you can usually navigate your child away from her initial interest. Whenever you're trying to dissuade your child from doing something, use a stern voice. You want to let your child know you mean business, even you find another way to relay it besides using the word "no."