You want to give your kids everything. But draw the line with these five things.
As much as it pains you to say "no" to requests from your children, it is necessary. Especially in these situations:
1. Buying everything they ask for or replacing items damaged from their own neglect
For
one reason or another, many parents give their children everything or
almost everything they ask for (toys, games, electronics). This tends to
happen more with parents who work too much or divorced parents who try
to make up for their absence with gifts.
Some
children are careless with their belongings and neglect to take care of
them. These children know if they screw up or break the item, the
father or mother will buy them a new one without consequence.
No
matter the value, avoid buying everything they want or replacing what
they usually spoil. They need to learn the value of their belongings and
hard work. They must learn to be more careful and appreciate the many
sacrifices you make to be able to buy them things.
2. Going to activities that offer potential risks
Children
can be extremely pushy when it comes to getting out and experiencing
fun. When the activities they want to participate in are healthy fun, it
is beneficial to let them go. They need to enjoy such activities to
learn and grow. The problem is when they want to go to potentially
dangerous or inappropriate places to seek entertainment. We must have
the courage to say no and be ready to firmly resistant their impending
pressure.
3. Not censoring movies and games
The ratings of
movies and games should be carefully observed when deciding what to
allow your little one to play with or see. Censorship exists to protect
our little ones from violence, sexualization and other inappropriate
content.
4. Asking to wear inappropriate clothing and accessories for their age
Inappropriate
clothing is more an issue with girls than boys. They want want to wear
sexy outfits, high heels and makeup at younger and younger ages. We need
to preserve their innocence and purity for as long as we can.
5. Anything else you feel they should not do
As
parents, especially mothers, our sixth sense or intuition to nurture and
protect increases when our children are born. We must make the best
possible use of this gift by paying attention to our feelings and
promptings.
When we listen to our intuition, we can potentially prevent
bad things from happening to our little ones. If you feel like you
should not do something for your child, even if it is innocent, follow
your intuition and do not give it to them.
Even if your kids insist by kicking and stomping their feet or participate in emotional blackmail, stand firm in your decision. They need limits. Limits are essential to your happiness. You can feel bad for saying no to your child today, but it is better to prevent things from happening. Save yourself from the guilt of what could have happened to them if you would have just said no the first time.