Comments on: Handling The Frivolous Wants Of A Toddler Is Not Much Different Than Handling My Own Frivolous Wants

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:45:42 +0000

Very nice Trent. It is encouraging to see other parents in action, and trying to build strong character into their children.

I also find sometimes the flat out gentle no is helpful. Our son has come to believe no means no, and depending on his mood is able to accept it without much problem.

By: Kenny

Kenny — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:41:20 +0000

It’s good to learn tips like these. Especially when they work.

One tip that’s worked with much success with my kids is to show them the shopping list we made before leaving home and saying “it’s not on our list. We can’t get it today,” or “we didn’t come here today to buy that, it’s not on the list.”

There is one way that it backfires, though. The kids are starting to ask to put things on the list before we leave home. Now we ask them if they have saved up the money to buy it themselves. Since none of them really get an allowance yet, we already know the answer to that question is “no.”

Now the kids are pulling out their own teeth in order for the tooth fairy to visit so they can get a dollar towards their goals! (not really, but it’s sort of funny…)

By: Nick in Iraq

Nick in Iraq — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:51:32 +0000

I really enjoyed this post. Good on you for taking the time to deal with your son in a healthy, productive manner, rather than just saying No, and leaving. That’s how those screaming kids get started in stores…

By: Ashia

Ashia — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:41:57 +0000

Perfect techniques to use on my gadget-hungry husband. ‘ Course, then he gets on one of his favorite tech blogs and the cycle continues!
thanks for the refresher course in navigating this often rocky course!

By: Miguel

Miguel — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:06:08 +0000

You’re a good father Trent. I’ve had to do the same stuff with my 21 month old daughter.

By: The Digerati Life

The Digerati Life — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:35:03 +0000

Very clever ways to get your son distracted :). I pretty much do the same thing with my two boys. Every month, it’s a new obsession from “Pooh” to “Thomas the Tank Engine”. My ears are ringing from their theme songs. But that’s a good sign at least — this means I hear the same things over and over, indicating money well spent on a frequently watched DVD or CD!