To The Moms Who Always Say No

When managing a household like we moms do on a daily basis, it is important that we tackle problems.  
The key is to be solution-oriented.

Some days, I feel like all I say is...NO.  

Here is a simple example of being solution-oriented:

"Mom, can I have a cookie?"  

"No, but you can have a yogurt or apple slices with peanut butter."

This is an effective way to deal with your children.  
Simply telling them no all the time without giving a solution will create frustration for your children.  
And for you.

My husband and I recently discussed an area of child-rearing that we encounter a lot.  Technology and the use of it in our home.  Technology is so prevalent in the 21st century even down to a toddler.  It is important to be solution-oriented in this area.

Our solution:  Technology privileges are earned.  
This is our plan:  Our children use the My Job Chart.com to record their daily chores.  As a parent, we choose and set the rewards.  So for options on their Reward Chart, they may choose Video Game Time, Computer Time or TV/Movie Time.  I set the points at 100 so it is very reachable if they simply do all their morning and evening chores for one day.  

I now don't have to say NO when they ask if they can play a game on the computer or watch a movie.  I simply state the solution..."Check to see if you have enough points." :)  

So whatever problem or situation you may encounter...
learn to be solution-oriented.