We all know as parents that discussing and negotiating the rules with our children is never easy. Children are all very different, and what might need to be a rule for one, may not even be an issue for another. That being said, there are many parameters that we set as parents that are the hard and fast rules - those with no 'wiggle room.' Those are the rules set forth to protect our child's health, safety and well-being. These rules and their consequences should be very clearly defined and it should be understood by all involved that they are there for a very important reason and that they are 'all or nothing.'
Rules that keep our children safe are of the utmost importance. These could include everything from teaching youngsters not to touch the hot stove to teaching your school aged child the importance of obeying the laws while riding their bicycle. Children need to understand these rules are to be followed to the letter and there is no room for negotiation here.
For adolescents and teenagers, such rules should include expectations about drinking, the use of illegal drugs, or safe defensive driving. These rules are also imperative to a child's health, well-being and safety. There should be no room for experimentation or relaxing the rules in specific social situations.
There are rules that can be fairly and equitably negotiated with your children as well. Rules regarding how many hours per week can be spent on video game playing, what time a child is expected home for dinner, what time each night homework is to be completed, or how late a teenager is allowed to stay out on weekend nights are all rules that can be discussed openly and honestly between you and your child. These should also be consistent, however. Don't' allow 11 p.m. one weekend night and then tell your teenager 9:30 the following weekend night when going out with the same group of friends. If your teenager broke the 11 p.m. curfew the weekend before, the consequence of losing the privilege of going out that weekend should be strictly enforced. Don't bend the rule just because your teenager seems genuinely sorry and promises never to do it again. Consequences should be consistent, fair, and always followed through.
Building Your Childs Self Esteem
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Because Just Isnt The Answer
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The Family That Eats Together Stays Healthy Together
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Protect Your Childs Emotional Well Being
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Connect With Your Child But Dont Overdo It
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Teach Your Child To Give Respect And They Will Gain Respect In Return
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Successful Two Way Communications With Your Child
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Providing A Safe And Secure Home For Your Child
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The Keys To Effective Discipline
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Control Your Anger Don't Let It Control You
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Our Ever Changing Role As A Parent
As your child has grown, you undoubtedly have discovered they have t...
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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 a...
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The Positive Influence Of Being Involved In Your Childs Education
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Positive Discipline Without Hurting Your Child
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Constructing Your Childs Healthy Sense Of Self Esteem
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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 ...
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Learn From Your Mistakes And So Will Your Child
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Actively Listening To Your Child
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Take The Bite Out Of Your Toddlers Biting Problem
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Help Your Child Kick The Thumbsucking Habit
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Chores Can Help Your Child Learn About Teamwork And A Strong Work Ethic
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Handling Conflict About Rules Enforcement At Home
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Parenting-Partner-Page
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You Cant Spoil A Child Through Love
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Encourage Your Child To Feel Important
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Postive Praise For Your Childs Pride
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Productive And Positive Potty Training
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Encouraging Play Encourages A Childs Development
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Interrupt Your Childs Interruption Habit
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Celebrate Your Childs Uniqueness
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Chart Your Childs Accomplishments With A Chore Chart
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Do As I Say And As I Do
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Clear Expectations Make Discipline Easier
Sit down with your child well in advance and li...
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Present A Unified Parental Front When Disciplining Your Child
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Harsh Discipline Does It Do More Harm Than Good
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Follow Thorugh Is The Key To Successful Discipline
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The Whys Of Whining
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Physical Punishment Is Ineffective And Harmful
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Time Outs Help Reinforce Positive Behavior And Discourage Misbehaving
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Consistency Is Key To Successful Discipline
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Tactics For Tackling A Toddlers Temper Tantrum
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Parenting Tip
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Training The Fussy Eater
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The Truth About Lying
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Teach Children To Respect By Treating Them With Respect
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Hobbies Are Healthy
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Teen Parenting
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The Importance Of Crystal Clear Rules For Your Child
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Childs Uniqueness
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The Detrimental Effects Of Verbal Abuse And How To Stop The Cycle
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Expect Only The Best From Your Child
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Good Parenting
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