It is a fine line... encouraging expression but knowing that your child should not hurt other people's feelings. I would have a private talk with her. Maybe even do some role playing.
"I don't like him"
My dd (2.5) has been stating more often when she doesn't like someone. She does this when the person is right in earshot. She'll say out loud "I don't like him, his face is too hairy"
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, or yesterday during Easter brunch "I don't like him sitting next to me."
I know that she is young and I am happy that she expresses herself. But, it is hurtful to talk about someone right in front of them. I've told her that it hurts their feelings, but she says that she wants to.
I would love advice about how to defuse the situation as it is happening and how to talk to dd so she understands that it is not appropriate social behavior.
I know that she is young and I am happy that she expresses herself. But, it is hurtful to talk about someone right in front of them. I've told her that it hurts their feelings, but she says that she wants to.
I would love advice about how to defuse the situation as it is happening and how to talk to dd so she understands that it is not appropriate social behavior.
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I would put the focus on how it's socially unacceptable (and that it's unacceptable to you) to say things like that, more than on it hurting others' feelings. At 2.5, kids aren't really capable of caring about others' feelings like that, iykwim. I mean, *definitely* include that information. It's important information for the learning process. But don't expect it to change her mind about what she says.
Also, something that might help is to tell her not to say it so others can hear, but that she's welcome to whisper it to you. That would maybe give her an outlet, without saying it out loud.
Originally Posted by isaoma  I know that she is young and I am happy that she expresses herself. But, it is hurtful to talk about someone right in front of them. I've told her that it hurts their feelings, but she says that she wants to. |
Also, something that might help is to tell her not to say it so others can hear, but that she's welcome to whisper it to you. That would maybe give her an outlet, without saying it out loud.
DevaMajka said what i wold have said
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i would just emphasize that you want her to tell you or whoever is taking care of her at the time. i think it's really important that kids feel comfortable telling their parents when they are uncomfortable.
At least she doesn't say she hates them, like my 2.5 yo! It's so embarrassing! Every time we go somewhere, he tells me he hates someone. A cute little kid in a cart, someone who tries to say hi to him, someone walking by, anyone within earshot!
I tell him that it hurts their feelings and that they are nice people, I tell him to whisper it to me, I try to explain his feelings (you're feeling shy, it surprised you when she said hi to you, you think that baby is cute, etc.). It's not really working. I think I'm going to start duct-taping his paci in his mouth.
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I tell him that it hurts their feelings and that they are nice people, I tell him to whisper it to me, I try to explain his feelings (you're feeling shy, it surprised you when she said hi to you, you think that baby is cute, etc.). It's not really working. I think I'm going to start duct-taping his paci in his mouth.
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