Understanding
Your children are more likely to cooperate with you if they understand the reason underlying limits. Instead of saying, “Because I said so!” you could take a few moments to explain why a limit is necessary. A father might point to an electrical outlet and tell his toddler, “Do not touch the wall socket! You might get hurt. Ouch!” Or a mother might try to help her 13-year-old daughter understand why attending at a party where alcohol is served could put her at risk. Explanations make sense only if the limits are reasonable, clear and positive, enforceable, and important.
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