No one wants to be labeled the mean mommy or daddy. So let's just say that some parents spoil their children rotten in hopes that they will be seen as the cool mom. Not realizing that later on in life, you are either A- Bffs with your kid and dieing for a vacation from them, or B- They are 23, still living at home with no job and you are still making their bed, cooking their dinner, and doing their laundry still dieing for a vacation from them...
Point is: i believe that you can never give your child too much love, You can only give them all of your love but, with that you need to give them structure, boundaries, morals, and respect.
To get the outcome that i want in a situation where my child is not listening and doing as they are told, i always remember to take the time to think about the best way to respond and handle the situation, and this helps me to stop and take a breath so my head don't explode..
COMMUNICATION with your child is extremely important in both your relationship with your child and for use in your parenting methods. Be the one that listens to your child so your child will listen to you!!!
Give options to your child- you can A- pick up your toys and then watch your movie or B- go to your room and sit on your bed, since you won't pick up your toys..
Reward only sometimes! You don't want them to expect it every time they do something you ask them to. It is the littlest things that make a child's day!!
Yesterday, for the first time in a long time, Lilly picked up her toys without sassing. Although, she stepped on a block, she left on the floor, and had to go rest in bed, She finally returned and finished cleaning up her mess. LOL.. :-) She got $1.00.. She had to get her piggy bank right away so she could save it. Must be the business finance books she attempts to read with me.. Children are so curious and imaginative.
I do believe there should be a certain level of communication with our children. If you say too much to your child or say something you really should not have, this may have a negative impact on how your child views you.. (don't be cussing at your child, and if you slip up tell them- you don't say that, it's a bad word)
Watch what you say, they are paying more attention than you think. Above all, love your child and teach them to learn, love, and grow!
~Jess
