You’ll need to pick the right moment to use reverse psychology and know your kids. I know my girls are pretty interested in being self sufficient. Being able to push them with “There’s no way you could do that. It’s way too hard,” has pushed them to try. There are moments where I’ll say, amid their tears, “Don’t smile right now. No, don’t do it. Don’t smile.” It will often bring the smile and make the tears go away.
My mom and dad used to do the “no smiling” game and now we do too. It really is hard to not smile when they are telling you not too, although my eldest daughter is pretty good at getting more angry before smiling.
I dread the day that it’s not working anymore. It’s a fun little game that is able to turn around my grumpy kids so far. Thanks for your comments.