Photo by media.rd.com
The key to handling battles with your toddler is to keep things light. Using humor to counter his resistance is often a good way to prevent a battle of wills, as long as you do not overplay the humor card and give your child the idea that you do not take his concerns seriously.
Here are some ways that you can meet resistance playfully. The idea with all of these gambits is not to make fun of your child but to turn his oppositions into a game that the two of you can share.
Say something to your child such as “Oh, my goodness! You are not going to lie down for your nap? What am I going to do?” Pretend to start crying (but don’t do it so realistically that you frighten him), or fall back in your chair in mock despair.
Imitate the resistance
If your toddler won’t eat, then say with a wink, “If you won’t eat, then I won’t either Nosirreee! You can’t make me do it! Don’t even try!”
Beg dramatically
Say to your child, “Oh, pleeeeeeease! Pleeeeease, oh powerful one, put on your coat for me!”
Play the Yes-No Game
Your child says no, question it in a singsong voice: “Nooooooo? Do you mean yessssss?”
When he says no again, say, “Yesssss….”
After several rounds, quickly say, “Okay, no!”
Often children respond by laughing and saying, “Yes!”
