a young child refuses to stop doing something he’s enjoying, like playing in the park, you want to stay calm, practice empathy, and offer choices. (“Would you like to finish up your game? We need to move on now, but would you like five more minutes?”) If after that he still won’t comply, it’s entirely appropriate to say, “Do you want to hold my hand or should I carry you?” If the child will not agree to hold your hand, pick him up and carry him to the car—even if he’s kicking and screaming. Before the next outing to the park, you might say, “I’m willing to go to the park if you will follow a
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