The power of 'No'

Such a little word can wield so much power and have huge effects.  Children seem to be born with the inate power to wind you up when you are at your 'weakest' or most vulnerable, the times when you are tired, or ill or just plain busy and stressed out.  They always know when to 'strike'.  But even more powerful than this is the power of No both for the parent and the child.

Think about it, the times you have said no and the times you have heard no, coming from your child's mouth. 

This small word which has the power to start almighty tantrums, screaming fits and arguments, from both sides. 

This small word which brings defiance and independence.

But on the other hand, it can be such a small word to be easily missed, or rather ignored by little people.  I have days when Im sure half my vocabulary is spent on NO.  (No big word scores for me there).

One of the most annoying things for me as a Mum, is saying no to something and being ignored, so the question or request refused gets asked again and again.  Resulting in the same answer, like that little no, will just magically change to yes if asked enough. 

But it works both ways, think about it, when you ask your child to do something, or normally NOT to do something and are greeted with a NO.  Can make you see red and want to commit a crime on a bad day, but then exactly as that little mind of your child works, now your challenge is how to change that NO to a yes or at least compliance without committing a crime! (on a bad day).  Normally resulting in the use of negotiation and bribery techniques honed by most mothers.

Ah the joys of motherhood and the power of a little word.....