A parent handles a child's whining about losing iPad time by skipping threats and criticism. Instead, use a light tone, set clear boundaries, and stick to them. This keeps the kid from getting hostile while teaching them to accept limits.
But you said I could watch the iPad. It's not fair, Mummy. It's not fair.
Instead of threats and criticism like, "Oh, I've just had enough of your whining. Right, that's it. No iPad for the rest of the week," which gets things like, "I hate you.
I hate you. I'm not gonna go to bed now either," try a little bit of lightheartedness.
And refer to your rules, like, 'Oh no, I think you forgot what the rule is.' Kids respond really well when things are clear, when you've got clear boundaries and clear rules, particularly around things like screens. That's an example of positive discipline. Works much better than using threats, and you feel so much less guilty. See below to learn more about me, or check out my bio.
