Sometimes, every parent has to deal with situations when their child doesn’t want to eat vegetables, pick up their toys, or go to bed on time. And all their attempts to try and make them do the right things end up with screaming, tearful kids, so neither the children nor the parents feel good in the end.
But most of this trouble can be avoided if you use reverse psychology methods. For example, prohibit your child to eat the oatmeal they don’t like instead of making them eat it. We always want the things we can’t get which is why it’s very likely that this food will soon be their most desired meal.
Reddit users told us about the methods and tricks their parents used to get the desired results.
We at Bright Side chose some simple but effective tricks to help parents educate their children in the most peaceful way possible. But remember, don’t use these methods too much — they’re still manipulation tools. Use them from time to time only in situations when there’s no other option.
My mom had a friend that would put vegetables on her own plate and not on her kids’ plates. When the kids asked about it, she would be reluctant to share, saying, “This is grown-up food. But I suppose I can let you have a little.” Her kids grew up loving vegetables. I, on the other hand, sat at the dinner table for 3 hours as a kid, staring at the yucky cauliflower I refused to eat. @laik72
Twice a year, I let the kids eat whatever they want and do whatever they want. It ends up being a lot of junk food. The first three times they did this, they ate so badly a few of them threw up. They now regulate themselves much better and choose quality snacks over quantity. @ZombieBoobies
I don’t know if it was truly reverse psychology or an exhausted response from desperation. We were in line at the grocery store checking out. The kid was 3 and the meltdown started and quickly became an on-the-floor tantrum. I looked down and said, louder than normal but not yelling, “Where is your mother? We need to find your mom!” She was startled because I am her mom and she was confused. But the tantrum ended quickly, and with hugs. @stephlj
My child was reluctant when it came to putting away toys. However, he loves timed tasks and is very competitive. I’d instruct my child to put away all the red toys as fast as possible. Then blue, then green, etc. Toys were all put away. @divorced_dad_670
“I bet you can’t...” Both of them HATE the assertion that they’re not capable of doing something. “Can you put your toys away?” will almost certainly garner a hard NO, but “I bet you can’t put all those toys back in the box, no way you’ll be able to” will have them whizzing around, tidying like demons followed by a very indignant “See, I told you I could!” Cue fake surprise from me. They’re only 4 and 7, so I know this won’t work forever but so far, it works like a charm every time. @bibbobbins
There was a forbidden book that I was not allowed to read on the shelf. My parents said I could only read it if I behaved myself. It was the summer holidays and I was playing games all day (after 6 hours of summer homework). One day, I was home alone and had the opportunity to grab it. I read like half of it in one go. It was 5,000 Years of Chinese History. It’s safe to say I was bamboozled. @oddstodd
I don’t know if you would call it reverse psychology, but I didn’t realize it until my dad told me this. When there were chores that needed to be done, he noticed that if he asked me to mow the lawn, I would complain and procrastinate. But if he asked would I rather mow the lawn or wash the windows, I’d pick one and just get it done. It shattered my brain when he told me when I was in my 20s. I use it when I’m coaching or babysitting all the time and it almost never fails. @AppealToReason16
It’s not reverse psychology exactly, but when my first son was about 4 he would often burst into our bedroom way too early in the morning, full of energy. It was up to me to either get up and engage with him or send him off on some mission so I could grab a few more precious minutes of shut-eye. One thing I’m proud of was telling him to find out which of his legs could run the fastest. He was charging around the corridor for ages doing a kind of manic goose-step before he came back in panting, saying that they were both the same. @Georgeisthecoolest
I’m potty training my son. He just turned 3. He’s proving to be harder and more stubborn than his sister was. When I put on his diaper, I say, “Diapers are for little babies, let’s go put your little baby diaper on.” He says, “I am not a baby! ” And I respond with, “Well, big boys go on the potty.” He’s on day 5 with no diapers during the day. @Toad32
Have you ever used any similar methods with your children? Or maybe your parents used them with you? Tell us down below!
My kid who is now 10 years old learned to drink his milk in a glass and not in a baby bottle and quit wearing diapers as well when he is 3 years old going to 4. Just because he wanted to attend the school already,so I told him that school don't accept students wearing diapers and drinking milk in a baby bottle;-) and was really great... making him to do it.
I don't think I would get mad if I did't get a salad ?
I can understand that girl choosing to clean the windows.. anything is better than mowing the lawn!
I try the daring technique with my son and it's a very good way to make him do thing he mostly won't do!
My mom had to use the no books punishment on me too, but not to make me love books. I already loved books and would cry when she put them where I couldn't reach them. When I was in 5th grade I took a test and it turned out I was at an almost 8th grade reading level. (I was homeschooled) My mom never had to teach me history, because from the time I was 7 or 8 I read tons of books about ancient history and learned about the late 1800's and all of the 1900's by reading books set in that time, like all the oz books, charlotte's web, and the melody quartet.
