Consistency with family rules

journaldelaware · #1 09-11-2008, 05:58 PM

Most parents have family rules their children are expected to abide by. But problems sometimes occur when rules and expectations are vague or parents vascillate on disciplinary measures.

I am a journalist currently working on an article for a local publication on setting clear and consistent limits with children and I'd love to hear from you, particularly if you have kids, preschool through age 13.

Do you think it's important to set clear, consistent boundaries and limits with your kids? How have you done it? Think it's always easy? Why or why not?

My deadline is fast approaching, so I'd greatly appreciate hearing from you soon! Tks!

frogman68 · #2 09-11-2008, 07:52 PM

My kids are older than what you wanted but I will tell you something.

By enforcing the standard of rules and acceptable behavior when they were in that age bracket has made them great older teens

__________________
"When faced with facts and truths do the Democratic thing, Ignore them they will go away" Me
Senator Obama what is your experience ?
I have been in the Senate for a total of 1347 days of which 600 of them have been running for President of the United States I have introduced 121 pieces of Legislation of which 116 never made it out of committee's and 2 passed. I have released 6 books and one cd in that time.
Oh that is not good enough? I was also a community organizer I am good at pushing buttons

motherof3 · #3 09-11-2008, 09:20 PM

My kids are ages 9, 10 and 12. We do have rules and consequences. But since each kid is different we've had to make changes as they get older. They are good kids though. They all get straight A's and my 2 girls are in advanced classes in their grades. We try to be a consistent as possible with rules, schedules and stuff like that. It is really hard though sometimes, especially since mine are so close in age and what may work with one doesn't work with another one. Then they try to pull the "it's not fair, you love so and so better than me!" Or a version of that same theme. As they get older they are more able to try and argue or get one over on us too. And I'm sure there are times they do get away with breaking our rules. They're kids, they'll try again and again. As a parent I think it's just very important to follow through with whatever it is you've told your child will happen. And as mine get older I've come to realize more that it is all about picking your battles wisely and to have some way of talking about things too. In truth it's the hardest damn job I've ever had, and there is never a break because every day they get older and bring a new challenge. But then you get that awesome moment where everything is going great, no fighting, no pouting, where we are all having fun as a family or just a special moment with a child, and you realize, those are the times that make EVERYTHING worth it and then some. But, yes, IMO you do have to have rules and follow through and yes it can be hard at times.

Consistency with family rules

Family & Schools