Effective Parenting

Hello Everyone, 

There is one rule to parenting that is timeless and pays dividends for years to come...and that is to follow through. 
As Parents we need to give children two options:
Option #1:
​Do this and  (blank) will happen
Option #2
Don't do this and (blank) will happen
Next, we allow the child choose. 
Here is where the magic happens, we follow through with the consequence of the choice that the child choose...good or bad...
Example:
Option #1 
If you fold the towels before I get home tonight...you may go and play after I come home. 
Option #2
If you choose not to fold the towels before I get home, then when I come home you cannot go play and you will also have to sweep all the floors.

Follow through:
Option #1
When I get home if the towels were folded then the child gets to go play end of story. There is no more adding chores or making the child earn the privilege, the child just gets the consequence of his or her choice (in this case, gets to go play).
Option #2
When I get home if the towels were not folded, I do not get upset or emotional, I just let the child know that they need to sweep and that they cannot play. I do not deviate from the options, my job as a parent is to allow my child to make a choice and I just follow through with the consequence that the child chose. 
Take care this week and remember to follow through with what you told your child/children what would happen. Being consistent with your follow through will help you to raise responsible confident children. 
​
*We recommend love and logic for a practical approach to parenting. 

---