Comments on: Don’t Leave A Testing Toddler Hanging

By: janet

janet — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:27:49 +0000

In reply to Paula. Yay, I'm so glad to hear that, Paula! Thank you!

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:48:27 +0000

In reply to Helen. Me too with my 5 year old son. The timing of this post is impeccable as it addresses exactly what I am currently struggling with. My husband actually said to me today "Write to Janet!"

By: janet

janet — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:31:10 +0000

In reply to Tara. Yes! Thank you, Tara, I love this suggestion.

By: Tara

Tara — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 04:18:59 +0000

In reply to Amanda.

You say “I won’t let you stand in the bathtub. I’m going to help you sit now to keep you safe.” And then if it continues you nicely say, “it looks like you’re having some trouble. Bath time is over now. We can try again tomorrow,” and you take them out of the bathtub. Those things are what holding the limit looks like. Just telling her repeatedly isn’t holding the limit – it is allowing the behavior. Hope that helps!! 🙂

By: Rockshonara

Rockshonara — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:19:55 +0000

In reply to Helen. I’m in same boat with my 7 yo and hoping for some advice too.

By: Abbie V

Abbie V — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:02:57 +0000

I was listening to your show “When your kids won’t give you a break” which mentions this article. I have a follow up question. When your older kid (5) responds to your limits with “negative attention seeking” such as throwing toys or doing something he knows is not allowed, of course in order to gain your attention, some time with you, or test boundaries, what should I do? I was wondering just going over to him and stopping him repeatedly until he gives up hehe? 🙂 Taking his hands “I won’t let you throw your sisters toys, it can damage them”, taking away the items and continues cooking?

By: Aleksandra

Aleksandra — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:52:41 +0000

In reply to Kirsty Harper.

Kirsty
I have no idea how long ago you wrote your post, so no clue about your son’s current age.
Just to let you know (I know it doesn’t help… Although it did help me to read your post. I no longer feel alone) that I am going through the same hell with my 3 year old daughter, refusing to get dressed. To top it up, yesterday she refused to get into the car seat and same as you, I feared to be reported as a result. I was seriously in a hurry for my dental appointment (which I missed as a result) and no efforts helped to convince her.
I am convinced it is a game for her and a deliberate action. She may switch from being adorable and playing nicely all day long to this nasty attitude that I have no idea how to react to.
Same as you, I have tried everything and am simply exhausted and desperate.

Anyway, good to know I am not alone. It helps, somehow.

By: Sanne

Sanne — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:12:42 +0000

In reply to Helen. also my 8yo! I really hope for some advice for this.

By: Anon

Anon — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 14:42:21 +0000

In reply to Abby. Idk how old this comment is but straight up refuse to go in there. He will give up after a while and go to sleep. In order for you to break this cycle, you gotta stop engaging in it. Right now he knows that if he screams enough, you'll do what he wants.

By: Ewa

Ewa — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 20:12:29 +0000

In reply to Amanda.

Dear Amanda,

maybe a non-slip-mat would work for you? That way he can stay safe, even while standing in the tub!

Regards, Ewa