Yes, And... Your Toddler

Adam Grenier spent years doing improv at Second City and ImprovOlympic. The foundational rule? Never deny your scene partner.

'If someone's like, "Hey, you have a chicken on your head," not saying, "No, I don't" just ruins that scene. Versus saying, "Yes, I do, and its name is Sally. What's your chicken's name?" builds on that and gives it more opportunity.'

Now watch your toddler. 'There's a monster under my bed!' Your instinct: 'No there isn't, go to sleep.' Scene killed. Meltdown incoming.

Try the improv way. 'Yes there is, and he looks hungry. Should we leave him some crackers?' Now you're in a scene together. The monster gets fed. The kid feels heard. Progress happens.

This isn't about lying to your child. It's about meeting them in their reality first. You can guide the scene anywhere once you've said yes.

Denying stops progress. 'Yes, and...' opens doors.

(Though to be fair, most toddlers are already better improvisers than their parents.)