As parents and children interact on a daily basis, conflict is likely to arise. When you mix different generations and parenting styles, the work gets hectic. It is time to make concessions in order to have a peaceful home and a happy family.
There are no perfect parents or perfect kids (no matter what grandma says).
Children don’t always behave the way we’d like, and when spouses and in-laws don’t always agree with our parenting style, it’s likely to lead to frustration, confusion, and uncertainty.
These are just three questions that have hit our parenting blog in recent weeks.
co-sleeping
Some families commit to sleeping in a bed when a baby needs to nurse frequently or a toddler has trouble sleeping alone. But what happens when one of the parents or the mother-in-law objects? Does the spouse resort to sleeping on the couch to get a good night’s rest?
If this happens, then it’s time to reconsider the baby’s or toddler’s sleeping arrangements. Most babies stop nursing at night around six months and will sleep through the night if placed in a nearby crib.
Young children and parents alike will get a more restful night’s sleep if the nightly ritual is firm, gentle, and consistent. Everyone needs and deserves uninterrupted sleep.
What do you think? What has worked for your family?
Discipline
To end a disciplinary war, it is necessary to stop power struggles and create an atmosphere of mutual respect. For discipline to be an effective learning experience, it must have a natural or logical consequence.
A natural consequence is anything that happens naturally without adult interference or stepping in to solve your child’s problems. So if you forget your coat, you are cold. If you don’t do your homework, you get a bad grade.
A logical consequence is one that is designed to teach a lesson or provide a useful learning experience. For example, if a child continues to hit another child, she is placed in time out.
What has worked for you? How did you handle this problem?
moaning and crying
As a parent educator, this is the number one complaint from parents. It is especially concerning when one parent or grandparent gives in and the other tries to be consistent through the use of firm but gentle discipline.
This confuses the child as to whether he is serious about the rule. By being inconsistent, he is also teaching her son to become manipulative and devious in trying to get his way.
Try to say each time, “I’m sorry, my ears can’t hear or understand whining words or shouting. Calm down and talk to me in your respectful voice and I’ll listen.”
This assumes, of course, that you have taught and modeled what a respectful voice sounds like.
What do you think? Does this method work in your family?
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