The Gentle Art of Saying "No"

Since my last post, the littlest buttons have turned four. It's an interesting age, full of questions, challenges adventures and new learnings - for them and for their parents! Sometimes, setting boundaries can be exhausting can't it?

When I was studying teaching, I remember completing an activity on creative ways to say "No!". I'm sure most Early Childhood teachers have done something similar. This week, My Creative Space is all about saying 'no' in a really clever way! You might be able to use this list in your parenting, when your husband asks if you've been shopping, when someone asks you to whip up a project or two or when you're tossing up whether or not to begin a new project. All I ask is that you use this list for good and not nefarious purposes (such as hiding excessive fabric purchases!).

A DOZEN WAYS TO SAY 'NO'

1. The LOOK - you know what I mean...we all have one. The one that says, "Go ahead and do that but be prepared for the consequences!"
2. NAME and TONE - Say their name and use the TONE that matches the LOOK (in number 1)
3. I'll think about that.
4. Say yes but mean no - 'You can do X after you have finished Y'.
5. Distraction - "X, can you come here and help me with this, please?"
6. Say hello! Just remind them that you are there and watching.
7. Is that safe.
8. Will that make Mum/Dad happy or sad?
9. What will happen if you do that?
10. What do you think about that idea?
11. Talk to me about what you are doing.
12. Is that a good choice?

I'm sure you have lots of other strategies that work. These are just some of the tried and true ones from Button Central. For truly creative pursuits, visit here.

P.S. I can't say any of these are a fool proof way of hiding expensive fabric purchases from Mr Button but I have had some success with #5 when used in conjunction with Grand Final Football games!

Thought for Thursday

Never see a need without doing something about it.

St Mary of the Cross

Words to live a life by - and without doubt, that is what she did. We've been very excited about Australia's first saint at Button Central and the little folk I have been teaching were awed and amazed to see their teacher singing on the steps of the Vatican as part of the celebration. He taught them a song based on this quote before he left. As I listened to them singing it, I couldn't help but think we have a wonderful future in store if this generation take St Mary's motto as their own. Challenging, too, if we are to lead by example. It's a challenge I like!

Where Have All My Blog Posts Gone?

Image: Taryn Newland

Well, I know the old ones are not missing but it has been a 'long time passing' since a new one appeared! What have I been up to, you ask? Well, we've recently acquired a new computer which has taken a wee bit of settling in. I have also been busy marketing and have tended to opt for the quick and easy facebook post instead of blogging. Sometime ago, I agreed to two weeks of teaching which started on Monday. YIKES!!! I'm not entirely sure what I was thinking when I said, 'Yes!', but, we're here now and getting amongst it! Incidentally, the teacher I am replacing is in Rome singing at the cannonisation of Mary MacKillop and I'm ever so excited for him, albeit a little worried as I am also taking his music classes and he's set the standard rather high!

In between my heroic efforts to dry washing and completing twin toilet training, I have been working on these Christmas shirts and also some Pink Ribbon Remembering Tees in adult sizes. You can order any of these via email or Facebook. My current favourite is Santa!

Please note: When discussing toilet training, I've used the term completed in a very loose way!