Hellobee Boards

I just say exactly that "certain things (playgrounds, ice cream, etc.) are a special treat and not something that can be begged for every day" (although mine is younger than yours) and she usually is agreeable. I expect it won't fly so well when she's older.

I've been using the positive phrasing I heard about on here, something along the lines of "Oh, gosh, I WISH I could take you to the park every day. I would if I could! But we can't go everyday because of XYZ...." and that goes over a lot better than just a simple "NO" or something like that.

I honestly just tell them it is a special treat, and we won't be getting any today. I think if you schedule it on a certain day, they will come to expect it on that day too. Better to be sporadic and let it be a pleasant surprise when you do say yes.

I think it's important for kids to experience disappointment!

I did schedule it for awhile. Then DD could tell her friends in class that we would be going to X playground on Thursdays and then other people show up if they know you will be there!