One little word can cause so much frustration.

"No."

As parents, it's easy to hear that word and assume our child is being difficult. Sometimes that's true. But often, I wonder if we're hearing the wrong message.

I've met many wonderful children who say "No" several times a day. They're not rude. They're not defiant. More often than not, they're overwhelmed.

Perhaps the task feels too big. Perhaps they're tired after a long day at school. Perhaps they don't know where to begin. Or perhaps they've simply run out of energy.

Their "No" isn't always about refusing. Sometimes it's saying, "I can't do this right now." That small shift has changed the way I respond to children. Instead of asking, "How do I make them comply?" I find myself asking, "What might be making this feel so hard?"

The expectation doesn't necessarily change. Teeth still need brushing. School bags still need packing.

But the support offered might. Sometimes children need us to start the task with them before they can finish it on their own. The next time you hear "No", pause before you respond.

You may discover your child is asking for help, even though they don't yet have the words to say it.

Try it, it might change your world, like it changed mine.

Kind regards, 

Beryl