When Saying 'No' = World War 3

You say “no,” and suddenly the world is ending. Cue tears, yelling, or even full-on floor flops. But here’s the secret: it’s not just defiance, it’s a struggle with boundaries and control. Try This: Instead of a harsh no, offer two options: "Not right now, but you can choose X or Y." This keeps the boundary while giving your child some choice — and that small shift can make a big difference.

REAL TALK