"Bye I'm leaving you!" 12 alternatives to say instead

All parents go through these moments. It is time to leave, but your child isn’t coming. Instead of screaming the usual “Okay I’ll leave without you”, try the alternatives below!

• Setting clear expectations

• Give clear instructions

• Offer a choice on something they can control

• Follow through with confidence

• Keep a calm, confident stance, and hold your boundary!

Avoid saying “bye I’m leaving you”

• Primarily because you will not actually leave them! Our goal is for your child to know that whatever instruction you share with them, you will follow through. So since you will not leave them behind, choose an alternative instruction!

• Also because you don’t mean it. Ideally, children need to know that as parents and teachers, we mean what we say. I don’t know any parents that would want their child to believe that we would truly abandon them and leave them behind in a shop, park, museum, or house.

12 alternatives to say instead:

1. "Let's say 'see you later' to the playground, we'll come back again soon!"

2. "It's time to head home now, but we can come back and play another day."

3. "We'll have more adventures together, even beyond the playground!"

4. "We've had such a wonderful time, and we'll make more memories together."

5. "Remember the fun we had today, and we'll come back for more fun in the future."

6. "Our playground time may be over for now, but we'll create more joyful moments together."

7. "Let's take our playfulness home with us and continue the fun in our own way."

8. "The playground will miss us, but we can always come back for more laughter and play."

9. "Leaving the playground doesn't mean the fun ends; it's just a break until our next playdate."

10. "We'll carry the joy of the playground in our hearts as we move on to new adventures."

11. "Even though we're leaving, the memories of our playground fun will stay with us."

12. "As we say 'see you later' to the playground, let's embrace the excitement of what's next."

And remember: even if your child feels angry or throws a tantrum, that’s ok! It is not about you doing something wrong, or them doing something wrong. They are allowed to feel how they feel, and it is our responsibility to confidently hold the boundary and teach them alternative options, self-control, and calming strategies. Your child’s brain isn’t yet developed enough to know how it is appropriate to respond, especially when they feel upset, disappointed or even show patience!