i'm trying to teach my son the meaning of NO, but whenever i tell him no he giggles and acts all cute, and it's all i can do to not smile and encourage him. it's kinda cute when he's bad cuz he gets so excited, but i don't want to raise a brat. i kinda think he's getting the idea, cuz he stops doing the bad thing when i say no! but how do i keep myself from encouraging him?
2006-06-08 04:50:53 · 26 answers · asked by 1 Hott Mami 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You must decide that raising a well behaved child is more important than raising a child that likes you.
2006-06-08 04:59:11 · answer #1 · answered by Joe K 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yeah, sometimes the "bad" stuff is cute! It's really hard not to laugh, and you know you shouldn't because that sends mixed messages. I am sooo with you on this one!
I think the most important thing is to let him know where the limits are ~ that's what he's looking for anyway. My kids (10, 7 & 5) will still say "Ha ha ha, Mom! Look what I'm doing!" and I'll say "Ha ha ha, you better not!" and it's all fun and games until I say "Ok, that's enough now" and they stop. Kids will always try to see how far they can go. And when it's funny, leave the room and laugh your a** off!
2006-06-08 04:58:47 · answer #2 · answered by browneyedgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he laughs, you aren't saying the "No!" strongly enough. You need to say it strongly enough that he understands you aren't playing, but not so harshly enough to scare him.
That said, an infant is only *starting* to understand "no". In addition to saying it, you have to get him away from whatever it is you don't want him to have or do, then make sure he can't get back to it. (Either remove the object from within his reach, or distract him until he forgets what he wanted.)
And keep in mind that children only have a conscience around puberty. Until then, he may listen because you tell him, but he really *doesn't* realize it's wrong. This is not *bratty*; it's the nature of children. You can't expect a newborn to walk; he's not capable. And you can't expect a baby, toddler, or young child to really "behave" on his own.
2006-06-08 05:08:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find other ways to punish him such as a time out.
You're just going to have to come down harder on him...not to mention you are going to have to control your urge to smile.
There's a book by doctor Spock about childhood development (and punishment). They had me read that book in my Child Development Class so I would think it's a decent book.
Hit the library and get as much info as possible. You could see if Dr. Laura has any advice on her website www.drlaura.com
Ask your friends who have kids.
I agree, you certainly don't want to raise a brat! Fix it now or he's going to turn into a Monster and that's when you will have real problems (criminal activity, therapy...disrespect...)!
Good Luck!
2006-06-08 04:54:49 · answer #4 · answered by Corn_Flake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep in mind that when he grows up and does bad things it wont be so cute, and so it has to stop now. I usually just place a small smack on the hand. It doesnt really hurt but the noise surprises him and then he knows that no means dont do it.
2006-06-08 04:55:04 · answer #5 · answered by m_thurson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to create some kind of small punishment to reinforce the 'NO'. Something that he will know is connected with doing the wrong things. I am not saying spank him, or timeout, but maybe take a toy away for a little while, or remove him from the area where he was comitting the crime.
2006-06-08 04:55:06 · answer #6 · answered by foodlover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, consistency is the answer (and trying not to laugh - which is hard). He'll get it. You said he stops doing the bad thing when you say no so.......that's what's important. Oh and remember, the terrible twos start before two actually and it's a real thing - they are at a testing age.
2006-06-08 04:57:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be consistant and never let him see you smile or laugh. I know it's cute sometimes and hard to keep a strait face.(I have the same problem with my son).Eventually you will be able to see that even though its cute now, it wont be cute if he's still doing it in a few years. good luck!
2006-06-08 05:22:41 · answer #8 · answered by Mia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your the adult here remember, next time you have to say no and he smiles at you , try to keep your same expression if you can't then turn around and walk away.
It also depends on the age and what he's doing wrong.
2006-06-08 04:54:37 · answer #9 · answered by shae 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This day and age we have to be our kids' parents and not their friends. It's good to have a healthy relationship with them so they'll be happy but you've got to be the adult and guide him so he'll grow up and not be a menance to society. If you don't do it now, it's gonna be so much harder when he's 13 going on 18, honey.
2006-06-08 06:08:17 · answer #10 · answered by elr212006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he will learn, it just takes time.. never give into him or laugh at him,because this will encourage more of this behavior,cause he thinks he is being cute.. just keep with it....patience is the key:)
2006-06-08 05:12:22 · answer #11 · answered by uniquedobe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋