ParenTingTong

Every family is unique in its way and so are the individuals are different, they have different strengths, interest and values. As even parents are the individuals they come in different styles. If you are a parent you will get many advises on how to take care of your child. So do not get disheartened if the others have given some advice and the way you bring up your kid does not gel with each other.

May be you do not want to be like other parents and want to give more freedom to your child or may be you want your child to explore a little on their own. That’s great! If the same works with your children and you it is good. Once you know your style and your child is happy about you can make the same as your parenting style, and you can stop trying to live up to every other persons expectations and get on with your way of enjoying being a parent.

Always keep in mind, that the advice givers, even though meaning well does not know your child and you are the only one who knows your child best. They do not spend so much time with your child and you are the only one with them day and night and you have watched them grow, learn, explore, play sleep and eat. Only you are the one who can judge the child and what best can work for them at your house and in your lifestyle. Of course it will be trial and error method but it will be for the best interest of the child.

Next time, someone offers you advice regarding your child’s sleeping habits during the day and at night time, keep your child’s personal style in mind. You know you have tried and tested the methods you would want your child to feel comfortable in and you know best what works for you and your child.

The idea should come from your instincts regarding your child and from your child as no two children can be same as they are also individuals and they are unique. There is no such rule for sleep habits among the children; the only thing is that the sleep is necessary for a good growth of children. As your child grows, his needs may change, but as long as you stay in tune with him, his sleep habits shouldn’t have to suffer as a result. And neither should yours.

If you have a small child at home, you would know how difficult it is to discipline them and if you don’t do it now then later you will face tougher times.

Consistency is key to successfully teaching your child right from wrong when disciplining them. This keeps small misdeeds and bad behaviors from later becoming bigger misdeeds and worse behaviors. The parent need to stand firm and mean it when they say, “Turn off the television now” or “no dessert after dinner because you didn’t touch your dinner.” This will teach the child that there are consequences for misdeeds and inappropriate or unacceptable actions or behaviors. When you are not consistent yourself then it is only you who will be responsible for your children’s misbehavior and doesn’t teach them how to be responsible for their actions.

Both the partner should be consistent with the discipline. If one is too lenient and the other strict the child will not be disciplined as they will be able to manipulate the other lenient partner and turn the situation to their advantage. This becomes when the partners are separated or divorced. Though you may not be together anymore, it’s imperative that you parent on common ground.

Honestly discuss these parameters with your former spouse and your child in advance, so that if discipline is needed, the consequences of such misbehavior are well understood in advance. Any disagreements between parents should be discussed out of the child’s earshot.

Consistency is about being strong and standing firm, even when doing so is extremely difficult or exhausting. It can sometimes be hard to come home after a hard day at work only to find a hard night of parenting in front of you. Your child will consistently test the boundaries with you to see if there’s any play in those consequences. By standing firm you are showing there is not and that you expect them to do nothing less than take responsibility for their actions.