As a mother of three different personalities there is something I have noticed we as parents do that I thought I would share with you. The past 13 years as a parent(almost 14) Ifind myself trying to "DISCUSS" issues with my children. Actually I should talk past tense because it's something I tried when they were toddlers and preschoolers.We all want our children to be fair and diplomatic.We want them to be nice to others and to always consider others feelings. So we find ourselves explaining to the them -why,why,why. All they hear is blah,blah blah! Trust me on this one parents,once you get past that third or fourth word you've lost their interest. With our boys if it's not planes,trains,and automobiles,monsters,pirates and ruling kingdoms you loose them at hello!Our girls want to hear what a good job they are doing telling us what to do or how pretty their hair looks. When it comes to behavior-they just don't want to hear about it much less talk about it! My solution for things we're not happy with them doing is this-brag on them when they are doing what we want them to do,toddlers and preschoolers LOVE praise and when we're not happy keep our words short, sweet and to the point.
Always adress a matter right away-if you wait til later they may not remember details of what happened.We can say things like"I'm not happy with..." or "I don't think you would want that done to you".Whatever you choose to say try and keep under ten words and always follow up on you consequences-believe me they are keeping tabs on the things you let slip! They want to know that you are in control(even though they show opposite)and will always love you no matter what.I'm famous in my house for saying "I'm not your friend I'm your Mother!
Always adress a matter right away-if you wait til later they may not remember details of what happened.We can say things like"I'm not happy with..." or "I don't think you would want that done to you".Whatever you choose to say try and keep under ten words and always follow up on you consequences-believe me they are keeping tabs on the things you let slip! They want to know that you are in control(even though they show opposite)and will always love you no matter what.I'm famous in my house for saying "I'm not your friend I'm your Mother!