Between Katelyn and the new kiddos that I started seeing, I decided that maybe I need a refresher course in dealing with the terrible TWO's and even worse 3's that are coming up, both for my sanity and the sake of my job. So right now, I'm reading 1-2-3 Magic, Kidz are Worth it and Secrets of a Toddler Whisperer, hoping that I can somehow get a good understanding of why kids do everything they can to push a parents' buttons and also how to keep a just tad of control in the house. This is what I've learned so far:
1. Kids, just like adults, want and need respect. When you show them respect, they're more likely to be better listeners.
2. Kids are born with a temperament and there's not much you can do about it. You just have to find that happy medium between your own personality and your child's and work with it.
3. Too much talking turns into "blah, blah, blah" so really you're only talking to hear yourself when you try to use common sense and reason with a young child.
4. Kids do not plan their days looking for trouble. They are exploring the world and testing the limits. If you laugh the first time they jump off the couch, then they think it's a good and will not understand why you are yelling at them the next time they do it. You send mixed signals when you have different reactions to the same activity.
5. Routines and consistency are the number one ways to get control. Get off the track and their whole world is turned upside down. Keep most things the same every day and only throw one or two new things into the day. Having a routine helps kids know exactly what to expect and how to behave.
6. Every day is a new day, full of challenges, and sweet moments. Some days are worse than others, some better, in the end, our job is to help our children grow up to be respectful, loving, and, most of all, independent.
So if your child decides that painting her toenails by herself is a good idea, don't flip out. Simply explain the 'why nots' and get ready for the next 'I can't believe she's doing that' moment.
1. Kids, just like adults, want and need respect. When you show them respect, they're more likely to be better listeners.
2. Kids are born with a temperament and there's not much you can do about it. You just have to find that happy medium between your own personality and your child's and work with it.
3. Too much talking turns into "blah, blah, blah" so really you're only talking to hear yourself when you try to use common sense and reason with a young child.
4. Kids do not plan their days looking for trouble. They are exploring the world and testing the limits. If you laugh the first time they jump off the couch, then they think it's a good and will not understand why you are yelling at them the next time they do it. You send mixed signals when you have different reactions to the same activity.
5. Routines and consistency are the number one ways to get control. Get off the track and their whole world is turned upside down. Keep most things the same every day and only throw one or two new things into the day. Having a routine helps kids know exactly what to expect and how to behave.
6. Every day is a new day, full of challenges, and sweet moments. Some days are worse than others, some better, in the end, our job is to help our children grow up to be respectful, loving, and, most of all, independent.
So if your child decides that painting her toenails by herself is a good idea, don't flip out. Simply explain the 'why nots' and get ready for the next 'I can't believe she's doing that' moment.
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