The other side posits that reacting as if it were no big deal meant the child would ultimately learn to take things in stride.

What Hec and Jessica said. I'm like Hec -- I acknowledge that they fell (or whatever) with a hug and a kiss, but then I immediately downplay it. "Oh, that'll feel better in just a second. You're okay! I'm so glad."

Rather than dirt, though, my magic trick is, "Let's run some cold water on it." No idea why.

My dad's oft-repeated phrase was "You know how to make that stop hurting? Don't do it anymore."

[insert toy]

...but not into that outlet.

The woman I used to babysit for made her kids apologize to whatever they bumped against.

"Sorry table!"

"Sorry floor!"

"Sorry couch!"

So. funny.

there ended up being a major debate over whether or not to offer sympathy when a bump or fall occurs. One side says, of course, you should acknowledge the pain. The other side posits that reacting as if it were no big deal meant the child would ultimately learn to take things in stride.

I had a director once who said that when his kids were small and taking tumbles all the damn time, he would always take just a second to assess whether the tumbler was actually hurt or just startled -- if it was just a startle but the sprout got sympathy, tears would happen anyway. So he'd comfort for actual pain, but if it was just a toddler WTF he'd start clapping and say, "Great slide! Home run!" and the kid would start beaming.

Egad, why is this conversation still going on?! Oh well. My kids seem okay for now.

Oh Aimee, I have some dresses and such that Franny has outgrown, some of it cute, but some of it too small for Em probably. You should come over and the kids can play, andwhat clothes are too small for Em can be mailed to Lily.

Rather than dirt, though, my magic trick is, "Let's run some cold water on it." No idea why.

Oooh, good one. When Emmett's eyes got itchy he'd let me kiss them and the placebo effect seemed to work.

My dad's oft-repeated phrase was "You know how to make that stop hurting? Don't do it anymore."

Excellent advice that kids never heed.

I liked to stand up under things and split my scalp open (scalp lacs are notorious bleeders) when I was a wee lad.

Also I had lots of nightmares about finding myself at the wheel of a moving car, from very early on. They were always quite scary. Somehow I got that it was dangerous for me to try and drive.

Once I hit my teen years and knew I could reach the pedals, that dream stopped.

Oh! That really hurts. I know. Let's look at that.

I want to think that would be my response. Interesting mark you have there, yeouch, now what? I'm afraid, however, I'd be the first one to cry!

Excellent advice that kids never heed.

Which would be why he still uses it even though we're all in our twenties. :)