Discipline
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What parenting style is best for your child?
What parenting style is best for your child is something that many people will differ on. A few decades ago, many believed that the only proper way to parent a child was to instil unquestioning obedience via punishments and spanking if needed. Since those days, the norm has changed. Now, society sees spanking as abusive and unkind. In some cases, however, the pendulum has swung to the other extreme. It is not uncommon in our current times to find households where parents give the children free rein. Some little ones are allowed to do what they want when they want it. Despite the controversy, what parenting style is best for…
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Is peaceful parenting passive?
The difference between peaceful and passive parenting is often blurred. This hazy line means peaceful parenting has become associated with parents watching with besotted smiles as their little whirlwind whips around, creating unchecked havoc. The truth is that peaceful parenting does not mean being passive and waiting for inappropriate behaviour to correct itself. It also does not mean allowing your child’s whims to rule the family. Peaceful parenting is active and engaged. Peaceful parenting is not always Peaceful As a peaceful parent, you will try to bring peace to situations. Your child will sometimes bring the storm as they battle against rules and expectations. The temptation may be to avoid…
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Parenting by Example – How to be a Role Model for Your Children
The importance of parenting by example is often denied in the tongue-in-cheek adage, ‘ Do as I say, not as I do.” Of course, this never works. Children are social learners. They copy the behaviour they see demonstrated, rather than follow verbal instructions. As a parent, this can be hard to watch. It may feel like your children’s behaviour is a mirror, reflecting all of you. The good and the bad, from behavioural habits to vocal tics. Children are observational learners There are multiple theories exploring how children learn. Social learning theory highlights the important role that observation of other people plays in a child’s learning journey. It isn’t always…
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What to Do When Siblings Fight
When siblings fight it can be beyond frustrating. Battles can transform moments that you hoped would be peaceful into moments that are fraught with anger and strife. The fact that it is normal for siblings to fight is little comfort while their wars are raging. So, can anything be done to promote a ceasefire, or perhaps even an alliance between brothers and sisters? Why siblings fight? Children are a work in progress. They do not come complete with impulse control, empathy or the ability to put situations in perspective. In time, they will learn and develop the skills to help them co-exist peacefully with other humans. Unfortunately, it is a…
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How to Teach Your Child Hygiene
When you teach your child about hygiene, you will probably find that the challenge isn’t showing them how to stay clean. Children are smart, and understand from an early age how teeth brushing, hand soap, and showers work. The main problem you are likely to encounter is how to teach your child the importance of hygiene. They might know how to shower, or bathe, but they showered already this month, so do they really need to do it again? Even more so, if you can convince them that being clean is good, motivating them to engage regularly in daily hygiene tasks can be difficult. Knowing how to use a toothbrush…
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How to Survive Tantrums and Meltdowns
Knowing how to survive tantrums or meltdowns can be invaluable throughout your child’s early years. If you have a child over one you will probably have experienced the drama and emotional distress that comes when your sweet child transfers into a mini hulk. Of course, if one happens at home it’s hard. However, if you are unfortunate enough to be out in public when meltdowns or tantrums come, though you know you will survive, it can be mortifying. Tantrums and meltdowns are never fun. We can more than survive, however. In the messy moments, we can connect with our children and help them thrive. The difference between a tantrum and…
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The Difference Between Discipline and Punishment
Is there a difference between discipline and punishment? I grew up in the age of authoritative parenting. “Spoil the rod to spare the child,” was the mantra that my parents and their friends lived by. Oh, did we learn the rod! In those days, if you stepped out of line then you felt it. I know that my parents did what they truly felt was best for us. But was it really the best way? Are punishments the only way to discipline? Are they the best way to discipline? Or, can discipline mean something different? What is the difference between discipline and punishment? At the very heart of it, discipline…
