If you tell your 6/7 y.o.child that a pot is hot...

[BWVDenise]

does he/she touch it to see if you are right?

My just turned 7 y.o. dd has to test it to see if I am right. It's a bit unsettling b/c I am thinking that I will spend years, and a lot of breath, telling her not to use drugs or do countless other dangerous things, etc., etc., etc., and she will do everything I tell her not to do, just to see if I'm right!

What's a mother to do???

 

[Serena]

Keep trying, that's all you can do. One of these days, she'll get it. But I'd have a good stock of first aid equipment on hand.

 

[MosMom]

My 6.5 year old would not. You tell her once something is dangerous and not only will she not go near it but she will warn others of the danger. She has been that way since she was a tiny tot. Very cautious.

Now my son on the other hand will most likely touch it. He is only 21 months but he is a real stinker and will try anything once to experience it. The boy wears me out! I'll let you know in a few years.

 

[GeorgeG]

I think it's just human nature to have to learn for yourself. I think the best you can do is give the warning as often as you can, don't leave the hot pot unattended, and hope for the best.

 

[Laurabearz]

Long time ago I dated a guy....

Who poured milk that was chunky on his cereal... then for some reason had to smell it to make sure it was bad....

I bet he would of touched it.

 

[Gupsmom]

There are people that are satisfied with being told something is dangerous and there are people that need to experience the danger for themselves before they learn.

I'm thankful to say that for the most part, all 3 of my kids (4, 5 and 6) fall into category #1. 2 out of 3 are what I would call "thrill seeking" and all 3 are adventurous, but not completely without fear. My son is very kinetic but even he usually accepts my explanation of danger.

Good Luck...
Jess

 

[thatchicktrish]

Your 7 year old must be an early daredevil! My DS, also 7, is very cautious. He is the type to warn everyone else of the hot pot and tell anyone who goes near it what will happen if they touch it...in detail. The burn, there could be blood, it will hurt, you will cry and go to the hospital, you will be afraid and it will hurt. lol Hang in here, they learn.

 

[KimRaye]

Quite honestly, I'm surprised 6yoDD doesn't Already have a burn or two. She is my "pay-back", the "in-your-face", always questioning/challenging kinda girl and, a definate "let ME see/do/try/touch"! But, she is also very bright and "informed", so to speak. Thankfully, with no burns tho, yet.

 

[Samandmom]

My DH is 33 and still has not learned.

 

[Kermit]

My sister would have done that when she was that age. In fact, she might have done it when she was 12. But she's 26 now and quite normal. We were a little surprised that she made it this far, but ER docs are wonderful.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Older dd (now 12) would have believed me because she already would have burned herself a few times.

Younger dd (7) trusts me 100% because she watches older dd be stupid.

 

[stauncie]

BWVDenise,
I am recommending you read the book "They way they learn" by Cynthia Tobias. Its great, it talks about the different learning styles of people, and lets you identify which type of learner your child (or DH, or boss, etc) is.. and then different ways to react to that particular learning style to be the most effective.