| In an ideal world, parenting young children would be a | | | | often transform my granddaughter from grumbling and |
| perfect seamless transition from the innocent, adorable, | | | | demanding to being respectful and happy - her mom |
| cuddly baby stage to the cooperative, responsible, | | | | couldn't get over what a difference choosing to be a |
| loveable child. In reality, lofty expectations can fall apart | | | | consistent consultant made in the level of peace in |
| even before your child hits the Terrible 2's as the | | | | their life, even when her father used a completely |
| heavenly baby becomes a self willed little individual | | | | different strategy in his home. |
| who desires independence despite the fact that they | | | | It's never too early (or late) to start setting limits and |
| are ill equipped, psychologically or developmentally, to | | | | permitting children to be taught from the consistent |
| handle it. It's 100% understandable that parents are | | | | consequences of choices. The joy of parenting |
| concerned about doing the right thing amid the wave | | | | involves lots of practice. Here are some areas where |
| of family giving their opinions and the over supply of | | | | you can begin setting foundations of raising responsible, |
| "How To Parent" books covering the bookshelves. In a | | | | intelligent, cooperative children: |
| blended family there are often competing views in the | | | | 1. Bedtime- Decide on a bedtime and a consistent |
| different households that further complicate the issue. | | | | routine that guides your child to her bedroom with the |
| As stated by 2 parenting specialists, Foster Cline and | | | | fixed expectation that she'll remain there, quiet down |
| Jim Fay, the fundamental rules for effective parenting | | | | and fall asleep. |
| are: | | | | 2. Help With Meals- Schedule a weekly mealtime |
| 1. Set firm limits with enforceable statements | | | | where everyone assists in both preparation jobs and |
| 2. Permit the child to choose and experience natural | | | | clean up. Have the smallest children pick from from a |
| consequences of those actions. This parenting system, | | | | list of easy jobs to create the feeling that they are |
| called a "Consultant", consistently teaches children that | | | | valued and have responsibility. Model and reinforce |
| they must think for themselves from a very young | | | | table manners. |
| age, and serves them well through teenage years and | | | | Each and every parent wishes to bring up trustworthy, |
| into adulthood. | | | | confident, happy children, and although it can be difficult |
| When my granddaughter traveled from her father's | | | | to get serious about this when they're only babies or |
| house to her mom's, she often got confused about | | | | toddlers, it's essential to let them experience the logical |
| what behaviors were allowed in which home. While | | | | consequences of their behavior. The moment they |
| she was able to get away with throwing tantrums and | | | | can understand the connection between their behavior |
| manipulating at her father's house, she encountered | | | | and the responses of their parents, it's time. This |
| clear expectations and boundaries from her mom. | | | | happens between the ages of seven and nine months. |
| A kind prompt from her mom, like "Oh! I think you have | | | | NOTE: Use of this article requires links to be intact. |
| forgotten about your expectations in this house" would | | | | |