My parenting advice (to anyone who is interested)
Posted by
Fuzzy (aka mrfuzzy)
Apr 26 '10, 13:32
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Some rules that I try to follow (with varying levels of success):
-- Remain consistent in all things. If bedtime is 8 PM, then that's when it is. It isn't 9 PM on weekends, or the third Tuesday of the month.
-- Never threaten something you aren't prepared to follow through. When you do follow through, explain that this is a consequence of them not doing what was expected of them.
-- Yelling can be very effective, when used appropriately. Children need to understand that there is a place that they never want to go. This should be it. You should not normally need to go there.
-- Eye contact is extremely important. Engage them. Use sentences that require them to respond and acknowledge what you are saying. Sometimes making them repeat the key point(s) back to you is helpful.
-- When you are wrong, admit it. Apologize. Show them the same level of respect that you expect from them. They will learn more from this than from any word you ever speak to them.
-- Kids are smart. They understand a *lot*. Take the time to explain things to them. Even if they are not currently in the frame of mind to accept what you are saying, it will stick with them and sink in later, when they calm down.
I have a 13 year old and an 8 year old. So far, these have worked for me. YMMV
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