4-9 Yrs: Parenting Skills - Setting Priorities
As your child grows up, decide what's important to you and be flexible
on lesser things. Hold firm on important matters.
Your child will begin having their own opinions
- it's all part of growing up! Show yourself prepared to understand your
child's viewpoint and she will be more likely to understand yours.
Just
say 'no'? Not always
If you say 'no' to everything, you will
only increase your child's rebelliousness. Listen, discuss and give a
little and you will get credit for being flexible. Does it really matter
if your son stays up a bit later at the weekend, if he works hard at school?
If your daughter has a sudden dislike of having her hair done up in plaits,
but is good about brushing her teeth and hanging her clothes up, give
her some credit.
Show respect
Accept your children for what they are.
Don't comment negatively on their clothes, music or taste in television
- pop culture has filtered down to the playground! At the same time, there's
nothing wrong with 'babyish' activities - children develop at their own
pace.
Show respect for their opinions even if you disagree.
Don't try to change them into something you want them to be. A useful
trick is to imagine they are someone else's child and ask yourself,
'Would I say that if it wasn't my son or daughter?' If the answer is 'No',
then don't say it.
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