Will My Parenting Technique Need to Change As My Child Gets Older?

Parenting is a job that constantly evolves. The basics remain the same but the children grow emotionally, physically and socially and parents often have a hard time changing gears along with their children. Parents constantly need to maintain their position in the leadership role but the style of leading may need some tweaking as the children age.

Your leadership role will still require you to set boundaries for your child. However, those boundaries may need expanding, especially when it comes to the social aspect. Children over the age of eight can help you set those boundaries. It may be a good idea to keep your evolving set of boundaries written down and stored in a place that can be easily referenced by you and the child.

Discipline will still be a major part of your parenting job, but it will probably take on a different tone. Disciplining a two year-old will require you to use short, simple words and directions. A ten year-old can handle bigger words, more direction and have the capability to remember those rules and consequences for a longer period of time. Two year-old children often need redirecting from the same dangerous or forbidden activity 20 times in a day, a ten year-old should only need occasional reminders.

Children of all ages need to feel they are accepted and loved. They need positive feedback and praise. It is imperative a child's good behaviors are acknowledged so they know what pleases you. Staying consistent in your leadership role will help set your child up for good behavior in the future. Providing an atmosphere that makes your child feel loved and safe is important during all stages of childhood development.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?