Mimi's Strategy: What to do when you want to pick up the baby: What to do when you want to pick up the baby

By Linda Goudsmit

What can a child do when she really wants to pick up a baby but the grown-up says no?

Hildy loves baby Oyyie and wants to pick him up, but her aunt Tati says no. Mimi helps Hildy understand that Tati's answer is about keeping the baby safe, just as a grown-up may say no to pouring milk from a glass pitcher because glass can break if you drop it. Hildy remembers the comparison, stops before picking Oyyie up, and asks whether she can sit with the baby safely on her lap instead.

Mimi's Strategy: "When you want to pick up baby Oyyie, I want you to STOP and think about the glass pitcher breaking. Then, ask Tati if you can sit with Oyyie on your lap instead."

What children will learn:
- Understand that a grown-up's "no" can be about safety rather than about punishment.
- Pause before acting when a situation involves a smaller or more vulnerable child.
- Practice using comparison and reasoning to understand rules.
- Find a safe alternative instead of simply arguing against a limit.
Perfect for:
- Homeschool and public-school families welcoming a new baby or teaching family safety.
- Homeschool and public-school educators discussing rules, responsibility, and consequences.
- Parents helping young children understand why some activities require permission.
- Grandparents teaching practical safety and gentle care.

Part of the growing Mimi's Strategy series, an expanding collection of illustrated books by Linda Goudsmit that turn everyday childhood problems into opportunities to stop, think, and choose a successful strategy to solve each problem. Designed for ages 3-8, the series gives families and educators a warm, repeatable way to talk about responsibility, independence, competence, self-control, critical thinking, and family life.

"Learning to think strategically rather than react emotionally is a valuable skill that will empower any child throughout his or her life. Plus, I have yet to meet the child who would prefer a reprimand to a kiss." - Linda Goudsmit

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1953255043
• ISBN13: 9781953255044
• Release Date: September 2020
• Publisher: Contrapoint Publishing
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 3 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3