How to Stop Begging and Pleading: Introducing the Wish Book

 

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard it more times than you can count:

“Mom, can I get this?”
“Dad, I need that toy!”
“Can we pleeeease go to the store?”

Whether it’s a commercial on TV, a shiny new toy their friend just got, or an ad that pops up on your phone, kids are surrounded by things they want — and they’re not shy about letting you know.

And if we’re honest, many of us have given in at one point or another. Why? Because giving in is often faster and quieter than standing our ground. It ends the whining, the pleading, and the meltdown in the store aisle. But here’s the problem: every time we give in, we teach our kids that persistence (and loudness!) works — so they repeat the pattern next time.

But what if there were a way to break the cycle that also taught them patience, gratitude, and the value of waiting?

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Introducing: The Wish Book

Here’s a game-changing idea: instead of saying “yes” or “no” in the heat of the moment, give your child a copy of the NEW Wish Book. This is a special notebook - (MY WISH BOOK, now available on Amazon) — that becomes the safe place for all of your child’s wants and dreams.

The next time your child sees something they have to have, you simply say in a calm, friendly tone:

“Wonderful! Add that to your Wish Book. You could even draw a picture of it.”

No arguments. No negotiations. No raised voices.

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How It Works

1. Give Each Child Their Own Wish Book
   Versions available for Boys or Girls.

2. Encourage Them to Add to It Often
   Whether it’s a toy they saw on a commercial, a game their friend has, or even a trip they want to take - it all goes in the book.

3. Make It Creative
   They love crafts, so provide them with store flyers and scissors to cut out and paste the items they like. This makes the process fun instead of frustrating.

4. Review the Wish Book Together
   Once a week or once a month, sit down together and look through their wishes. You’ll be amazed at how many things they’ve lost interest in - which is a lesson all by itself!

5. My WISH Book for girls now available on Amazon

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Why It Works

The Wish Book does more than stop begging — it teaches life lessons:

• Delayed Gratification – Kids learn that wanting something doesn’t mean they get it right away.
  

• Emotional Regulation – Instead of melting down, they channel their desire into an action: writing or drawing.

• Decision-Making Skills – Over time, kids naturally prioritize what really matters to them.

• Respectful Communication – Parents stay calm and avoid power struggles, which creates a more peaceful home.

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Parent Bonus: Less Stress

Perhaps the best part? This approach removes the pressure on you in the moment. You’re no longer the “bad guy” saying no - you’re the guide who helps your child put their wants in the right place, to revisit when it’s appropriate.

And when a birthday, holiday, or allowance day rolls around, you now have a ready-made list of meaningful gift ideas straight from your child’s own heart.

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Final Thoughts

Parenting is full of teachable moments, and the Wish Book turns a potentially frustrating situation into one that’s fun, constructive, and filled with connection. It’s not just about stopping the begging - it’s about helping kids learn patience, gratitude, and how to dream in a healthy way.

So the next time you hear “Can I have that?” you can smile, remain calm, and say:

“Wonderful - go write it in your Wish Book!”

Bill Corbett is a nationally recognized parent educator, author, and speaker known for his practical and compassionate approach to raising children. He has helped countless parents, caregivers, and professionals gain a deeper understanding of child behavior and discipline through his workshops, seminars, books, and media appearances since 1995. 

As the creator of the "Love, Limits & Lessons" parenting program, Corbett emphasizes the importance of respectful and effective communication, age-appropriate expectations, and the value of emotional connection in child-rearing. His work is grounded in positive discipline strategies that foster cooperation and confidence in both children and parents. The influence on his methodology came from the works of psychologists Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs.

Bill and his wife have three grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He came up with the wish book idea as a form of relief from the constant requests from his own children. In the process, he realized that many of the immediate desires of children actually fade or transition when not immediately satisfied. Today he enjoys watching his grown children as parents, replicating what he did with them.

Purchase THE WISH BOOK for Girls by CLICKING HERE.

Purchase THE WISH BOOK for Boys by CLICKING HERE.