Children are inquisitive by nature. When they are younger, it's usually because they want to better understand something. When they are older, it's because they want to better understand why you think something is important and why they should also feel the same way. Regardless of their age, it's imperative that when setting forth the rules and expectations in your home, your child understands there is no room for questioning the rules you set forth and the consequences of breaking the rules.
Younger children usually do not understand a lengthy explanation of why it's important that they be home from their friend's home at a certain time or why they aren't allowed to play ball in the house. But the one thing they do strive to do most of the time is to make their parents proud and happy. So when a young child asks "Why?" or "Why not?" when they are told they can't play with something or someone or why they have to obey a rule you've set forth, simply explain to them that "because it makes me happy when you follow the house rules and do what I have asked of you." You should avoid using the term, "Because I said so," as that only adds to the child's frustration and confusion.
Older children, adolescents and teenagers alike will probably require more from your explanation. When they question "Why?" or "Why not?" it's best to directly, honestly and clearly state your reasoning. "I asked you to be home by 10 p.m. because we have to be at the dentist's office first thing in the morning for your check-up and we can't be late." It is also a great opportunity for you to reiterate the consequences of breaking the rule. "If you are not home by 10 p.m., you'll be grounded from going to your friend's house for a week." Be consistent, be firm, and be clear.
Though your child may challenge you by asking your reasoning why a rule has been put in place, it also shows their growth as an individual thinker. So try not to get angry or frustrated when they do so; realize it's their way of understanding their world around them.
Building Your Childs Self Esteem
Your child also benefits greatly from honest a...
building_your_childs_self_esteem.php
The Family That Eats Together Stays Healthy Together
Designate no less than one night per week to have a sit-down meal with your family. Sunday nights...
the_family_that_eats_together_stays_healthy_together.php
Protect Your Childs Emotional Well Being
The first three years of life are critical in a number of ways. This is when bonding and emot...
protect_your_childs_emotional_well_being.php
Connect With Your Child But Dont Overdo It
But is there such a thing as too much involvem...
connect_with_your_child_but_dont_overdo_it.php
Teach Your Child To Give Respect And They Will Gain Respect In Return
Keep in mind the saying ...
teach_your_child_to_give_respect_and_they_will_gain_respect_in_return.php
Successful Two Way Communications With Your Child
Yet we seem to find it's perfectly acceptable to discuss things with them while readi...
successful_two_way_communications_with_your_child.php
Providing A Safe And Secure Home For Your Child
In your kitchen, you should be sure to install safety latches on cabinets and drawers. This helps keep them out of t...
providing_a_safe_and_secure_home_for_your_child.php
The Keys To Effective Discipline
Discipline should be based on a child's age, development and temperament. A parent's goal...
the_keys_to_effective_discipline.php
Control Your Anger Don't Let It Control You
As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to undo the wrongs t...
control_your_anger_don't_let_it_control_you.php
Our Ever Changing Role As A Parent
As your child has grown, you undoubtedly have discovered they have their own unique personalit...
our_ever_changing_role_as_a_parent.php
Get Involved In Your Childs Activities Hobbies And School
But where do you get involved? With today's busy schedules between home, work, and school, it may feel that the aver...
get_involved_in_your_childs_activities_hobbies_and_school.php
The Positive Influence Of Being Involved In Your Childs Education
Probably the most important element of a positive lea...
the_positive_influence_of_being_involved_in_your_childs_education.php
Positive Discipline Without Hurting Your Child
Our goal when disciplining our children is to teach them to be responsible,...
positive_discipline_without_hurting_your_child.php
Constructing Your Childs Healthy Sense Of Self Esteem
What are some good ways to built self esteem in your child? ...
constructing_your_childs_healthy_sense_of_self_esteem.php
The Importance Of A Regular Routine To Your Child
As they gets older, when a child knows what is going to happen and who is going to be there, it allows...
the_importance_of_a_regular_routine_to_your_child.php
Learn From Your Mistakes And So Will Your Child
The process of making and learning from mistakes is an extremely valuable life skill...
learn_from_your_mistakes_and_so_will_your_child.php
Actively Listening To Your Child
It seems to be a natural tendency to react rather than to respond. We pas...
actively_listening_to_your_child.php
Take The Bite Out Of Your Toddlers Biting Problem
Another reason toddlers bite is to express frustration, a feeling which is very c...
take_the_bite_out_of_your_toddlers_biting_problem.php
Help Your Child Kick The Thumbsucking Habit
Parents shouldn't concern themselves unless it continues after the age...
help_your_child_kick_the_thumbsucking_habit.php
Chores Can Help Your Child Learn About Teamwork And A Strong Work Ethic
Allow your child to have an active say in the delegation of chores. Give them choices. ...
chores_can_help_your_child_learn_about_teamwork_and_a_strong_work_ethic.php
Handling Conflict About Rules Enforcement At Home
It's never easy developing and introducing rules. Parents may tend to ...
handling_conflict_about_rules_enforcement_at_home.php
Parenting-Partner-Page
...
Parenting-Partner-Page.php
You Cant Spoil A Child Through Love
It's a parent's job to provide love, safety and encouragement. The process ...
you_cant_spoil_a_child_through_love.php
Encourage Your Child To Feel Important
In contrast, for children who do not feel important or cherished have low sel...
encourage_your_child_to_feel_important.php
Postive Praise For Your Childs Pride
When you praise your child, you are pointing out the way they've acted, an action they've taken, or simply who they ar...
postive_praise_for_your_childs_pride.php
Productive And Positive Potty Training
Explain to your toddler that going potty ...
productive_and_positive_potty_training.php
Encouraging Play Encourages A Childs Development
We all know that children like to play. But what we may not know is the importanc...
encouraging_play_encourages_a_childs_development.php
Interrupt Your Childs Interruption Habit
First of all, set a reasonable expectati...
interrupt_your_childs_interruption_habit.php
Celebrate Your Childs Uniqueness
Allow your child to express themselves through their interests. They may fin...
celebrate_your_childs_uniqueness.php
Negotiating Rules
Rules that keep our children safe are of the utmost importance. These could include everything from...
negotiating_rules.php
Chart Your Childs Accomplishments With A Chore Chart
Once you've sat down with your child and discussed and d...
chart_your_childs_accomplishments_with_a_chore_chart.php
Do As I Say And As I Do
It's important to be responsible, consistent and loving with your child. This also...
do_as_i_say_and_as_i_do.php
Clear Expectations Make Discipline Easier
Sit down with your child well in advance and line out the expectations and consequences of misbehaving or a misdee...
clear_expectations_make_discipline_easier.php
Present A Unified Parental Front When Disciplining Your Child
Parents should agree on how to discipline their children. To become reliable to children, both p...
present_a_unified_parental_front_when_disciplining_your_child.php
Harsh Discipline Does It Do More Harm Than Good
The study's finding showed that parents from lower income levels or work high pressure jobs are more stressed, and th...
harsh_discipline_does_it_do_more_harm_than_good.php
Follow Thorugh Is The Key To Successful Discipline
Hopefully before any misdeeds occur, you'v...
follow_thorugh_is_the_key_to_successful_discipline.php
The Whys Of Whining
It's irritating, it's frustrating and it gets on your last nerve. Though it's obnox...
the_whys_of_whining.php
Physical Punishment Is Ineffective And Harmful
It is crucial for parents to gain an awareness of other approaches to discipline because i...
physical_punishment_is_ineffective_and_harmful.php
Time Outs Help Reinforce Positive Behavior And Discourage Misbehaving
Designate an appropriate area in the house where ...
time_outs_help_reinforce_positive_behavior_and_discourage_misbehaving.php
Consistency Is Key To Successful Discipline
It's also that each partner is consistent with the discipline. If one parent is ...
consistency_is_key_to_successful_discipline.php
Tactics For Tackling A Toddlers Temper Tantrum
Toddlers are trying to master the world and when they aren't able to accomplish a...
tactics_for_tackling_a_toddlers_temper_tantrum.php
Parenting Tip
Now keep in mind that involves wearing two hats at the same time, and sometimes the tasks that those roles dict...
parenting_tip.php
Training The Fussy Eater
Establishing healthy eating patterns is important to avoid problems such as obesity and eating disorders...
training_the_fussy_eater.php
The Truth About Lying
Young children often make up stories and tell tall tales. Th...
the_truth_about_lying.php
Teach Children To Respect By Treating Them With Respect
The most effective way to teach children this lesson is by modeling the behavior you want to encourage. Every ...
teach_children_to_respect_by_treating_them_with_respect.php
Hobbies Are Healthy
Children who have hobbies are usually following in their parents f...
hobbies_are_healthy.php
Teen Parenting
The best thing you can do for teen parenting i...
teen_parenting.php
The Importance Of Crystal Clear Rules For Your Child
It's a very important role in your parenting responsibilities. Children must make difficult decisi...
the_importance_of_crystal_clear_rules_for_your_child.php
Childs Uniqueness
Allow your child to express themselves through their interests. They may find a crea...
childs_uniqueness.php
The Detrimental Effects Of Verbal Abuse And How To Stop The Cycle
That's just not true. Name-calling hurts -- especially when the person doing it is a parent, a teacher, or a coach. Yel...
the_detrimental_effects_of_verbal_abuse_and_how_to_stop_the_cycle.php
Expect Only The Best From Your Child
Praise your child often when they perform a good deed or a...
expect_only_the_best_from_your_child.php
Good Parenting
Availability...
good_parenting.php
