Very often as parents we have trouble letting go of what others think. How often have we felt embarrassed by our toddler's tantrum? Yet most of us parents are very aware of the fact that tantrums are "normal" toddler behavior. So why do we cringe when others look at us funny?
Because somehow we fear that people think less of us (and our children) because our kids are not conforming to their expectations! It's really ridiculous when you think about it. We should not care about what others think. We do the best we can and that is all we can do.
Once we allow ourselves (and our children) to simply be - we'll all be much happier.
We need to relax and remember that no one has control over another person. I don't think we really want that for our kids anyway. (Maybe in some situations but long term we don't.) If we control our children when they are with us they may no know how to control themselves when they are on their own. Often children (and adults) rebel when they feel controlled.
Our job is simply to teach them (as best we can) to control themselves and behave in ways that they believe are right. After all that is what "discipline" means - teaching.
In short, be gentle with yourself as a parent and do the best you can. You and your children will be happiest when you do that. We all mistakes and it is okay. We need to teach our children that it is okay, too.
Have a great day and I welcome your feedback!
1 comment:
I like you common-sense approach. I'm looking forward to reading more!
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