Hellobee Boards

As in, "no I won't leave" when it's time to go? I try to reflect his feelings "you really want to stay and have fun" and then explain why we need to go home "but it's getting dark outside and everyone is leaving the park because soon we won't be able to see!". If all else fails I will bribe with snacks, or if I have a place to put him (carseat/stroller) I will force him in.

I don't let the crying embarrass me and I do whatever we would do at home. Usually something like @hilsy85 said. But if she's still freaking out after a few hugs/explanations, shes just gonna have to scream and do what I said to begin with.

If it has to do with something where we need to stop what we're doing and go somewhere else, I turn to Daniel Tiger. I tell DS that it's almost time to stop so choose one more thing to do. For example, if we're at a park, he'll want to go down one more slide and then he's usually ok to leave after that.

It depends on what it is. If it's a "no" for leaving or something that isn't a choice, I usually just verbalize the feelings while we're wrestling her out the door "it's really hard to change activities when we're having fun! but it's time for us to go home and see daddy" or whatever. If it's something else like putting on a coat or something that she can say no to, I affirm her right to say no, and a compromise. So something like "you're allowed to make choices about your own body, but mommy is worried you will get cold. I will put it in the stroller and you let me know if you need it". Usually about 30 seconds of freezing is sufficient.

If it isn't negotiable, or I'm being rudely yelled at, my standard answer, regardless of location, is a calm "you don't get to say 'no,' you get to say, 'yes, mama.'"