Now I consider myself a total expert in this area! Not just because I’ve done a load of research into this area, but mainly because I have a super-strong-willed daughter who will not just DO something when you ask. No, that would be too simple…. :-)
But I’ve found the way to get her to co-operate with what I need her to do (most of the time!). So here are the tactics that really work.
What is it with the hitting?! If your child is anything like mine, he or she sometimes gets into an out-of-control hitting frenzy. It could be only occasional, or maybe it’s turned into a real phase.
Actually this is very common – and it’s completely normal behaviour for toddlers and preschool kids (and even school-age kids).
So why is the hitting happening? And what can we do about it.
I know I'm sounding controversial with this week's blog title! But I'm not actually being that extreme - locking your child in the laundry is truly one of the discipline recommendations of one of the most widely accepted parenting approaches in Australia and overseas.
While there are many good things about this program, I want to take issue with this recommendation.
Why do they tell parents to lock their kids in the laundry?
I want to answer one of the biggest doubts (and most common question) I hear from people about using mindful parenting (especially coming from partners!).
“Aren’t we teaching our kids to be naughty if, every time they act out, we reward them with our attention?”
It’s a good question! And the answer lies in understanding how our children’s minds work and how they develop control over themselves.
According to most parents I talk to, getting kids to co-operate is up there with their biggest challenges.
Whether you need ideas to simply get your kids out the door peacefully, or help with a hitting or angry child, I’ve put together the definitive mindful parenting guide to managing meltdowns and getting kids to co-operate.
And don't miss the bonus downloadable Cheat Sheet listing the strategies you can use in those tricky situations!
Success! Look out for my fortnightly mindful parenting blog coming soon to your inbox.
