My son has recently started saying "I hate..." a lot and I'm struggling to work out the best way to handle this. For example "I hate going to sleep", "I hate doing a wee", "I hate walking", "I hate holding your hand" and "I hate going to pre-school". The funny thing is, I know that for some of those things, he actually really enjoys them, and for others he isn't bothered either way. I'm trying to work out an appropriate way to respond that won't escalate the situation - I don't want him to end up refusing to ever do another wee! - but that still acknowledges the feelings he is expressing, even when I believe that deep down he doesn't actually feel hate.

Photo by idahoeditor via morgueFile
Related Articles
#Question
#Pre-schooler
#Parenting
#Emotions
#Behaviour