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“Just Five More Minutes, Mom!” — 3 Life-Changing Responses From Mom 1. “Absolutely, honey. But remember, we can always find more time for fun if we prioritize and manage our tasks efficiently. Let’s work together to make the most of our day, and we’ll squeeze in some extra playtime too!” 2. “I understand the desire to keep playing, dear. However, sometimes we have to embrace the discipline of delaying gratification. Let’s set a specific time for more play, and in the meantime, let’s focus on the joy of anticipation!” 3. “You know what, sweetie? I think we can make that happen! Let’s set a timer for those extra few minutes. That way, you get a little more playtime, and you also learn about time management and the value of every minute.”

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28 November, 2024

In fact, it is the different thoughts and reactions of parents that will determine their children’s future.

Sometimes, children whine because they want to play more.

3 common reactions from parents

Harsh Rejection: “No, it’s time for your studies/other work now”

This response can leave the child feeling disappointed.

When children receive such inflexible feedback, the feeling of rejection can make them feel that their emotions are not valued.

Over time, they may become introverted, lack confidence, or even rebel, losing interest in their studies and life in general. Children who are rejected often do not dare to express themselves and are hesitant in communication, struggling to build healthy social relationships.

Unconditional Satisfaction: “Alright, you can play for a little while, but not for long”

Sometimes, parents give in to their children’s demands or don’t want to see them misbehaving, so they choose to compromise.

This reaction seems gentle and meets the child’s immediate needs. But if this continues for an extended period, the child may become stubborn, lack a sense of time management, and struggle with self-regulation and self-control.

Negotiation is a good way to resolve this situation amicably.

Negotiation: “Let’s agree to play for 10 more minutes, and then it’s study time!”

Neither denying nor agreeing directly, this parenting method is worth learning.

The mother’s response respects the child’s wishes and helps them learn time management through negotiation.

When a child says, “I want to play a little longer,” they are usually immersed in the joy of the game and are enjoying every moment.

Behind this statement lies a desire for freedom and a sense of time. A direct refusal from the mother could dampen their enthusiasm and cause their mood to plummet.

Moreover, this statement is also a form of self-expression, and a direct rejection from the mother will undoubtedly leave the child feeling let down. Therefore, negotiation is a good way to resolve this situation amicably.

What should parents do to help children develop a healthy awareness of playtime, study time, and rest time?

In reality, children benefit from positive guidance, which can foster better development.

Instill a sense of time

No matter how busy parents are, it is essential to teach children about time in their daily lives.

When children have a clear sense of time, they will know when to do various activities and avoid similar issues in the future.

Teaching the concept of time is not as complicated as mothers think; it can be incorporated into small daily tasks.

Prepare an alarm clock, hourglass, or special timer, and then set time limits for play, reading, etc., so that children understand time and learn to plan and manage their time effectively.

Instill a sense of time.

Encourage children to express themselves

If parents always reject their children’s requests, the children may struggle to ask for help when needed. When children feel that their opinions and needs are not respected, they may become hesitant or even fearful of expressing themselves.

Parents should encourage children to voice their thoughts. Even if these thoughts seem unreasonable or unrealistic, allowing children to freely express their emotions and opinions can help prevent psychological issues.

Parents should listen carefully to their children’s wishes and then provide reasonable feedback based on reality. Even if the child’s issue cannot be resolved immediately, parents should offer suggestions or alternatives. Similar to the negotiation method, instead of directly denying the child’s request, parents can redirect by saying, “I understand you want to do this, but are there other ways we can achieve what you want?”

Through this approach, children will feel involved in the decision-making process and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Encourage children to express themselves.

Establish reasonable rules

To some extent, protective rules for children need to be established early on. Setting these rules provides children with a sense of security and creates a stable and organized living environment.

This method is straightforward. In daily interactions, establish family rules to clarify acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. These rules should be discussed and agreed upon by both parents and children, so the children feel involved in the decision-making process.

When children are aware of specific rules that they need to follow, they will be more likely to adjust their behavior naturally.

We will observe that children who adhere to rules tend to be more capable and well-rounded. They rarely haggle with their parents because they can make decisions independently. These children typically manage their time effectively, complete tasks, and handle challenging situations more efficiently.