Calm Parenting Podcast When Kids Reflexively Say No, Reject Your Ideas, Food & Faith #533
Nov 5, 2025
Navigating the constant "No" from kids can be challenging! Discover why children seek autonomy and how to encourage their decision-making. Learn effective strategies for discussing food and faith without defensiveness. Find out how to plant ideas instead of lecturing and promote healthy eating habits. Kirk shares tools to manage strong-willed behavior and set boundaries while allowing kids to take ownership. Plus, consider letting children reflect on the topics to foster understanding and reduce conflicts!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Questions Seek Purpose
- Kids who ask “why” are seeking context and bigger-picture meaning, not defiance.
- Explain the purpose briefly to reduce resistance and help them engage cooperatively.
Give Short Context For Changes
- Say a short context sentence like “plans have changed” before asking them to act.
- Give a quick reason so they adjust instead of reflexively resisting.
Questioning Shows Ownership
- Kids who reject beliefs are often testing ideas to own their conclusions.
- That wrestling shows healthy independence and can lead to genuine commitment later.