Why is it hard to say no?
IT JUST IS. most of us don't like confrontations and would rather avoid them at almost any cost. I know there are some I would for sure. Faced with an argument our blood pressure goes up and our palms begin to sweat. Confrontations simply are not fun, especially with a toddler or child.
Everyone enjoys watching other people enjoying themselves, and if the happy person is our own child the pleasure is more than doubled. Yet having a good time can sometimes be dangerous and we have to draw the line somewhere. We all have excuses why we don't want to push the matter with our children, we don't want to sound like our parents, we know they are tired and confronting them and saying no I don't want you to do that will likely trigger a tantrum or pouting spree... the list could go on but you have to put aside any feelings of guilt, loss of control, our own depression issues and find a way to be firm and yet not cruel to our children when we know they are getting into or doing something that could endanger them. Althought saying no and disciplining a toddler triggers a lot of emotions in ourselves, we have to learn that our guidance and the way we present it will shape the way they think of life into their futures. As scary as that idea is, it's nothing less than truth.