We always discuss in class about kids who will escalate to test the new skills mom and dad are using. It’s the old “short term pain for long term gain” adage.
This mom thought it would be something only older kids would do, but preschoolers know how to escalate with hurtful words too.
Luckily, this mom knew to stay her course and not react. Read what happens…
Using “I know” really started working for me with our 3 year old daughter. I was surprised when she escalated her response to “I’m not going to kiss you anymore!” I was shocked and heartbroken, but I stayed brain dead and said, “I know.”
Just 20 minutes later, after things calmed down, she came to me and said “Mommy, I want a hug.”