Alexis, I agree! I also encourage my kids to voice their needs – if they don’t, no one else will. I am just encouraging them to go about it more politely, Saying, “Dad, may I please have some apple juice,” or, “I would like to play with the jump-rope” is a much nicer way of putting it.

Now for the words.

I agree about the word “can’t” – I’ve worked hard to eliminate this from my kid’s vocabulary. But, not want. I want them to express what they want. That’s the first step to getting what you want! And so many people are afraid to express their desires.

I want my kids to wholeheartedly ask for what they want.

What I don’t want them doing is complaining about what they don’t have. I help them reframe, ie.:

Kaia whines – “Noah just had 12 chocolate chip cookies” I say “Don’t tell me what you don’t want, tell me what you want. Are you trying to tell me you also want 12 chocolate chip cookies? If so, say that.”

Off to tell my kids about the new push-up punishment!

I am really uncomfortable with teaching sprogs to use alternative “comfortable” words (like pop-pop instead of fart…) when all it does it avoid the issue. I mean, its not like they are not going to hear the real word in real life, is it! However, teach them to understand when its appropriate and they are forewarned and forearmed to respect. And (imho) a knowlegeable child is better equipped to avoid bullying at school, too.

Ha!

Oh dear, not a great introduction to myself here at this fine new blog .. that i am subscribing to now

Great blog too! Found it through Chris’ (Brogran) feed. Kudos!

Looking forward to reading through the site and leaving comments

FWIW – I’ve got no beef with fart. When she was two, my daughter informed me that the word “toot” should be used rather than fart. It stuck.

Try it – ask your kids to define what they really mean when they use the word ‘get’. They’ll find themselves appreciating – and understanding – you a whole lot more.