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AIBU?

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Original poster

What do you do when your child won't take no for an answer?

132 replies

bluebane · 18/02/2025 12:53

My 7yo is literally trying to wear me down by asking me the same thing on repeat until she gets it.
She does this a lot and I'm losing my mind.
It can be something I've said no to or something she wants immediately and will not stop keeping on until she gets.

OP posts:
Original poster
bluebane · 18/02/2025 12:59

I have not given in but I am running out of things to take away

OP posts:
BarneyRonson · 18/02/2025 12:59

Not ok to agress against you because you say no. Harassment incurs loss of privileges, imho.

Addeline · 18/02/2025 12:58

Keep saying no. Then take something away eg toy if they don’t stop going in about it.

LavenderBlue19 · 18/02/2025 12:58

Ignore it. Have you given in before? If so, that's why she's persisting - she's learned it works.

I get that it's annoying but it's just what children do - you have to be the parent and know what's best for them. Worse when they're teenagers and can form logical arguments!

Tiswa · 18/02/2025 12:58

The problem is you have set an example of being worn down into saying yes so of course she keeps on.

eitjer say yes or ignore it

yeesh · 18/02/2025 12:57

If you give in then she will continue to do it. My son knows how stubborn I am so if I said no he wouldn’t bother asking again as he knew I wouldn’t change my mind. I think asking for things in that way is horrible behaviour to be honest, reminds me of veruica salt, very spoilt

Fitzcarraldo353 · 18/02/2025 12:56

I say once, 'the answer is no', and then ignore every subsequent attempt to discuss it. If they really start asking why I'm ignoring them I might say again, 'I've already given you my answer', but I won't get drawn into it. I will try and distract them with something else if I can though.