LESLIE  LELINE

This job of parenting is so tricky. But, every moment of inappropriate behavior is a wonderful window of opportunity to teach! Often, it is the best time to teach a child that being with other people is a privledge. Thus, if their behavior is rude, they temporarily lose that privledge. Let's say a child is being rude by whining. Often, the child whines, alot, the parent talks about how rude whining is, the child continues to whine, the parent then scolds, threatens, screams..

Q: What do I do when my four-year-old son informs me that he is having a cupcake for breakfast? I say to him, “No, you are not having a cupcake for breakfast,” and he says, “Yes, I am having a cupcake for breakfast,” and I say, “No, you are not having a cupcake for breakfast. They are not healthy breakfast food,” and that goes on until he leaves for preschool at 9:00. I finally did give him half a cupcake because he had eaten his regular breakfast while we were arguing. A: HE

Two days ago, I wrote an answer to a question about Keeping Your Cool. I have a suggestion for teaching you and your children how to keep their cool. When we have temper, that is when rude things come out of our mouths. rude words are hurtful and do not achieve positive results. So I teach my kids to be a turtle. I say, "When we are mad or frustrated, that's when rude things come out of our mouths. So, if you are feeling angry or frustrated, BE A TURTLE. Cover your mouth with