Introducing the Rose & Rex Guide to Positive Language

You asked. We listened. Introducing the Rose & Rex Guide to Positive Language Strategies, a 45-page PDF for parents, caregivers and educators seeking language support for challenging moments and everyday conversations. Available for download NOW! To celebrate the launch, the Guide is available at a special introductory price- you won’t want to miss this! ⁣
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We've gathered your most-frequently-requested topics, scenarios and language alternatives, like “What can I say instead of, ‘Don’t hit your brother!'?” We’ve also edited our most popular IG tips to include additional strategies and modifications for age, language ability, and developmental stage. Have a baby? It’s never too early to be mindful of your language!
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Today we’re sharing one tip as it appears in the Guide:⁣

Sharing is complicated and challenging, even for adults, yet we often expect young children to share without hesitation. There is more to sharing than a child’s willingness to offer materials to others. It’s equally important to consider a child’s ability to assert herself when she’s not ready to share. If you notice another child grabbing a toy away from your child, empower her to say, “I’m still using this dump truck!” Consider the age and language abilities of your child; even very young children can practice asserting themselves by using simple phrases like, “My bucket!” ⁣
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It may feel uncomfortable to follow through on your child’s behalf, but it’s a challenge worth accepting. When a child grabs something from your daughter and the child’s parent shrugs as if to say, “Well, kids will be kids”, take a deep breath and look to your own child. Ideally, she should speak directly to her peer. If she is too upset or surprised to speak for herself, step in and say, “She’s still using this shovel.” Stand nearby until the child (or more often the parent) returns the item to your daughter. Will it be awkward? Sure. Will there be tears involved? Sometimes. However, the temporary discomfort is worth it because you are showing your child that her words and feelings matter.⁣

Bonus tip: While not as common, oversharing is another difficult concept that families can navigate together. Some children are so generous with their peers, they are often left with nothing for themselves. Sound like your child? Try pointing out, “You made Stella so happy when you shared your play dough with her… but it looks like you don’t have any play dough left for yourself! You can tell her, ‘I need some of my play dough back.’ Next time, you could share some of your play dough, instead of all of your play dough.”