For my daughter's admissions paperwork I wrote an essay almost, and it was more or less along the lines of what follows. It's basically just my parenting philosophy.
With my daughter, I patiently explain what is expected of her, and tell her what the consequences will be if she fails to act accordingly, ie. loss of television privileges, loss of dessert, early bedtime, stand in the corner, get extra chores, etc.
She is then given one warning, and at most, only two. After that, consequences are delivered. When she was four, we once walked out of Busch Gardens after being there only 20 minutes because she deliberately disobeyed a third request to stay near me (as in roughly five feet) on a VERY crowded day, said "No I don't want to" and ran away.
I do not make idle threats, and I do my best to keep my expectations consistent. That way, she knows what to expect, and she knows I will follow through.
Parents also have to be aware of what is realistic for a child's ability as well. For example, I expect my daughter (who is almost 6) to use her please and thank yous, and if she refuses when gently reminded, she won't get what she's asking for.
However, for me to expect her not to whine or fuss occasionally is unrealistic. I do not "punish" her for whining, but I ask her to stop and if she doesn't, I do tell her go to her room until she decides she is done. She can throw all the fits she likes, or vent and yell as long as she likes, but has to do it in her room - not near me. You'd be surprised how fast that dries it up.
Also, I do not tolerate being shouted at, or disrespectful outbursts, like "I hate you". That is an instant trip to the corner until she can speak in normal tones to tell me why she is upset. She gets to decide when she is ready to do that, but I decide if the tone is acceptable, or if she needs to go and "cool off" a little more.
(Likewise, I do not shout at her.)
Then we quietly discuss what might be a better way to handle the situation, and/or why things are they way they are. And sometimes, the answer is simply, "I am the parent, and I make the rules."
Also, when she does remember all her manners and is on her good behavior, I praise her for it, and sometimes give her extra rewards for specific good deeds (like sharing - without being prompted- with another child she does not like)
I am especially tickled when I get compliments on what a well-behaved child she is, and later, I make sure I tell her who said it and what they said. She really loves that.
I also try to remember to acknowledge that I know some things, like not talking to her friends during a lesson at school, are difficult, and we will talk about what she does well, and what needs work. As long as she honestly makes an effort, she gets credit for it.
I do not expect perfection, only sincerity and her best effort. I also make sure she knows I will love her no matter what, and even though we have our differences, there are no conditions to my love.
2007-01-09 03:09:49
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answer #2
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answered by Plesso 3
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If they haven't been properly trained to be polite to people by now there is little chance it will happen. The best one can do is distract them, entertain them or pass them along ASAP. The only chance they have to become normal now is a significant emotional event under favorable circumstances.
Bad parenting is the educator's worst nightmare. Only the most brightest / hardworking children will survive bad parenting. And we wish them all the best.
2007-01-09 02:34:38
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answer #3
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answered by jims2cents 3
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