The other day I was speaking to young parents and in the midst of our conversation their two year old began some " unacceptable
behaviour ". Their response was brilliant! Instead of ignoring the behaviour the father picked the child up, took her to another room and dealt with the issue. After they were finished, he brought the child back and the child said "sorry" to the mother and then to us. Of course we gave the appropriate response of " I forgive you".
Parents often find it difficult to deal with their children's behaviour when they are out or when others are watching. I think the problem is perception. I remember being in this situation many times. The thing is, as parents, we have an expectation or a hope that our children will behave correctly. However, from a child's point of view, what better time to test the boundaries then when you are out, have company over or when you are on the phone! You are busy, engaged elsewhere and your main focus is not on them!
The thing is, when a child is acting poorly, others are waiting for the parents to do something. Oh, we would all love perfect children that were always obedient and never pushed the boundaries! But the reality is children need training. I applaud parents that will stop what they are doing regardless of who is around or where they are and take the time to deal with a child's inappropriate behaviour. I know it is easier to sit drinking coffee ignoring a child's actions than deal with them. But parenting is work. That work will bring you rewards. From my perspective, it is well worth the effort!
(images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
behaviour ". Their response was brilliant! Instead of ignoring the behaviour the father picked the child up, took her to another room and dealt with the issue. After they were finished, he brought the child back and the child said "sorry" to the mother and then to us. Of course we gave the appropriate response of " I forgive you".
Parents often find it difficult to deal with their children's behaviour when they are out or when others are watching. I think the problem is perception. I remember being in this situation many times. The thing is, as parents, we have an expectation or a hope that our children will behave correctly. However, from a child's point of view, what better time to test the boundaries then when you are out, have company over or when you are on the phone! You are busy, engaged elsewhere and your main focus is not on them!
The thing is, when a child is acting poorly, others are waiting for the parents to do something. Oh, we would all love perfect children that were always obedient and never pushed the boundaries! But the reality is children need training. I applaud parents that will stop what they are doing regardless of who is around or where they are and take the time to deal with a child's inappropriate behaviour. I know it is easier to sit drinking coffee ignoring a child's actions than deal with them. But parenting is work. That work will bring you rewards. From my perspective, it is well worth the effort!
(images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
RSS Feed