Being a parent is a challenge for both the parent and the kids. Parenting little kids is a combination of setting an admirable example, teaching kids right from wrong and impressing that one virtue as often as possible. Since parents are the first role model a child will know, it is the perfect opportunity to mold their impressionable minds with positive attitudes and behavior. Kids will mimic what they see and hear and if they see and hear rude behavior and negative attitudes, that is what they will display.
Parenting little kids is a full time job. It will take a repeated effort for the kids to learn the lesson and not because they are being stubborn but because they are kids. Once the lesson is learned it will stick so make sure it is a good lesson the kids are being taught. Do not confuse the kids with conflicting behavior. Saying one thing and doing another will do nothing for the kids. They will not know what is acceptable and not acceptable.
Little kids will also absorb their environment. If they live in an environment of negative attitudes and rude behavior, that is what they will learn and display and parents will have a pint size "dead end kid on their hands. If the environment they live in is one of respect, love, cooperation and a demonstration of responsibility, the kids will absorb those characteristics and learn to be upstanding, respectful kids. Of course, they will still be kids and annoy their parents but they will be somewhat respectful about it.
Parenting little kids also means acknowledging their good behavior. It reinforces the positive aspects of what they do. It may take some time but they will see a pat on the back is better than being disciplined. If kids only hear from parents when they do something wrong, the kids not the parents, will do something wrong to get attention. Demonstrating positive attention is better than negative attention and the kids will absorb that.
Parenting little kids also means setting a framework for all to live within, kids and parents included. Call it the rules, the family bylaws or the guidelines but it shall include and specify what is expected of each member of the family. The framework will draw the line in the sand and it will be up to each person whether they cross it, and go to the dark side or stay on the good side of the law. Consequences are part of any plan and the punishment should be age appropriate for the kids as well as the miss deed.
Kids are not always the ones that make mistakes. Parents often will do or say something in the heat of the moment and realize later it was not the best way to handle a certain situation. Gain a level of respect from the kids, and fess up when the parent is wrong. The kids will want to send mom and dad to bed early, but a punishment for mom and dad might be to do something in the way of a treat for the kids. Parenting little kids means taking the castor oil and moving on.
Author Resource:
Leighonas Duforrific is the loving parent of two kids and loves writing about situations parents are usually faced with. Check out her Glenna Jean Kirby Crib Bedding Collection or the lovely Glenna Jean Ashton Baby Bedding Collections.
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