I am the “No” mom, or at least I am if you ask my children. If you ask me, I am just a normal mom trying to keep my kids in check. If you are a parent or know a child between the ages of one and 21 years of age, you know that they will ask for anything and everything.
“Mom, can we get a bunny?”
“Mom, can I have a sleepover with my friend from school?”
“Mom, can I download Roblox onto my Kindle?”
“Mom, can you check me out of school early?”
Why Do They Ask For The World?
They are kids and they are curious, constantly learning what is right and wrong. They are learning their boundaries and what they can and cannot get away with. They need to know what is acceptable and that means that I am saying “No” a lot more than I want to. They have even been known to start a question with, “I know you are going to say no, but can I …?”
Why We Continue to Say NO…
I want to make sure that I set their expectations and view of reality starting at a young age. They need to know what is acceptable behavior and develop good habits that will mold them into productive, well-rounded adults. I do not want them to struggle when they leave the nest and go out into the real world. They must learn at a young age that MY world revolves around them but the ACTUAL world does not.
We are teaching them patience, responsibility, and good behaviors. The hope is that one day they will understand when they are older. Understand why they did not always get their way, and that there was so much more behind our answers to their questions; more than a simple yes or no. Our job is not done until they are prepared to be a fully functioning adult.
So imagine if you will; there will be a day in our future when we do not have little ones coming to us every waking moment asking for something. We will no longer be the “No” mom.
Job. Well. Done.