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But I Don't Wanna!

9 Ways to Shut Down Your Kid's Temper Tantrum | ACTIVEkids

Is it just me, or does “But I don’t like ____” seem like a ridiculously silly excuse for not doing something important? Shouldn’t we have all learned by now, at least everyone over the age of three, that liking a task or activity should have very little bearing on whether or not we engage in it?

I don’t like paying taxes. I also don’t like obeying posted speed limits. But I doubt, “Your Honor, I don’t like it” is going hold up well in court. I don’t like shaving, showering, or brushing my teeth either. But I do like having friends, so I try to stay up on those activities. I also don’t like eating vegetables or working out, but I was told those activities are good for my health, so I’ll continue them as well (but I am going to be very upset if research shows broccoli and spinach aren’t healthy and all that suffering has been for nothing!).

You don’t like reading? Doesn’t matter. You don’t like confrontation? Who cares, not many people do. You don’t like exercise? Me either! You don’t like to save money? Join the club! You don’t like to wake up early? That’s why alarm clocks were invented.

There’s a whole host of important things people don’t like to do. But if it’s important and essential for a better life or a better life for those around you, it doesn’t really matter much whether you like it or not. Chin up, buttercup, you don’t have to like it, you just have to do it!

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