Stop Negotiating With Your Kids!

What’s the secret to stress-free parenting?

Stop negotiating with your kids! I’ve got the facts on rules you can follow that’ll help keep your whole family happy. These tips come from CNN.

The first rule to live by: I don’t work past 8pm. The goal is to get your kids in bed on time every night. That way, you’ll get some quiet time before you hit the sack. But don’t bother telling your kids that they need their sleep. Instead, make the rule about you. In other words, tell them something like “the labor department just made a new rule – no mom jobs can be done after 8pm!” But you’ll gladly play games, give baths, and read bedtime stories before then. Pretty soon your kids will be rushing to spend mom time with you before you go “off the clock.” Why it works: The rule is for you, and you’d only have yourself to blame if it’s not enforced.

Another rule for stress free parenting: I can’t understand you when you speak like that. The goal is to get your kids to stop whining, screaming, and generally being rude. So, the next time your kids get out of hand, tell them you can’t understand unless they calm down, and talk to you instead. Whispering your request helps because they’ll have to strain to hear what you’re saying. And bringing down the volume a notch makes sure your kids don’t get the drama they’re looking for.

And the last rule to live by: We don’t argue about money. The goal is to stop your kids from begging and pleading for stuff. It’s a rule that has to be enforced at all times. But the basic deal is this: You can tell your child “yes” or “no” about any requested purchase, but you won’t discuss the reasons. If your kid protests when you say “no,” calmly tell them you’re not going to argue about money. Studies show this technique shifts the focus from the whined-for-treat to a financial policy. In other words, you’re almost changing the topic on them and no longer debating why they should or shouldn’t have gum or some plastic toy they want. Instead you’re invoking a reasonable-sounding family value.