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
Designate no less than one night per week to have a sit-down meal with your ...
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Protect Your Childs Emotional Well Being
The first three years of life are critical in a number of ways. This is when bonding and emotional...
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Connect With Your Child But Dont Overdo It
But is there such a thing as too much involvement? It's imperative when...
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Teach Your Child To Give Respect And They Will Gain Respect In Return
Keep in mind the saying ...
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Successful Two Way Communications With Your Child
Yet we seem to find it's perfectly acceptable to discuss...
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Providing A Safe And Secure Home For Your Child
In your kitchen, you should be sure to install safety latches o...
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The Keys To Effective Discipline
Discipline should be based on a child's age, development and...
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Control Your Anger Don't Let It Control You
As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to undo the wrongs that were done to you as a child if you had an ang...
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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
Probably the most important element of a positive learning environment at home is structure. But what is...
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Positive Discipline Without Hurting Your Child
Our goal when disciplining our children is to teach them to be responsible, coopera...
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Constructing Your Childs Healthy Sense Of Self Esteem
What are some good ways to built self esteem in ...
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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
The process of making and learning from mistakes is an...
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Actively Listening To Your Child
It seems to be a natural tendency to react rather than to respond....
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Take The Bite Out Of Your Toddlers Biting Problem
Another reason toddlers bite is to express frustration, a fe...
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Help Your Child Kick The Thumbsucking Habit
Parents shouldn't concern themselves unless it continues after the age their permanent teeth begin to a...
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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. ...
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Handling Conflict About Rules Enforcement At Home
It's never easy developing and introducing rules. Parents may tend...
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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
In contrast, for children who do not feel important or cherished hav...
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Postive Praise For Your Childs Pride
When you praise your child, you are pointin...
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Productive And Positive Potty Training
Explain to your toddler that going potty is a normal process of life and ev...
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Encouraging Play Encourages A Childs Development
We all know that children like to play. But what we may not know is the imp...
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Interrupt Your Childs Interruption Habit
First of all, set a reasonable expectation. School-aged childr...
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Celebrate Your Childs Uniqueness
Allow your child to express themselves throu...
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Chart Your Childs Accomplishments With A Chore Chart
Once you've sat down with your child and discussed and designed a chore chart, it's time t...
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Do As I Say And As I Do
It's important to be responsible, consistent and loving with your child. This also holds true for the relationship you...
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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
Parents should agree on how to discipline their children. To become reliable ...
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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 s...
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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
It is crucial for parents to gain an awareness ...
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Time Outs Help Reinforce Positive Behavior And Discourage Misbehaving
Designate an appropriate area in the house where the child is isolated from interacting with others. It ...
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Consistency Is Key To Successful Discipline
It's also that each partner is consistent with the discipline. If one parent is too strict and the other is too ...
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Tactics For Tackling A Toddlers Temper Tantrum
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Parenting Tip
Now keep in mind that involves wearing two hats at the same time, and sometimes the ...
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Training The Fussy Eater
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The Truth About Lying
Young children often make up stories and tell tall tales. This i...
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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 encourag...
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Hobbies Are Healthy
Children who have hobbies are usually following in their parents ...
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Teen Parenting
The best thing you can do for teen parenting is to be understanding, ...
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The Importance Of Crystal Clear Rules For Your Child
It's a very important role in your parenting responsibilities. Children must make diffi...
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Childs Uniqueness
Allow your child to express themselves through their interests. They may find a creative outlet i...
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The Detrimental Effects Of Verbal Abuse And How To Stop The Cycle
That's just not true. Name-calling hurts -- espe...
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Expect Only The Best From Your Child
Praise your child often when they perform a good deed or accom...
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Good Parenting
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