Ever get the feeling that you and your other half are endlessly repeating the same parenting mistakes? Here’s how to make some changes and work as a team…
If there’s one issue that parenting experts consistently bang on about it’s the ‘c’ word – consistency. But that’s because it really is important for everything from putting routines in place to managing discipline.
“Your toddler needs consistency for him to feel safe and secure and it helps him to learn how to behave and understand what’s expected of him,” says Judy.
On the flipside, giving inconsistent messages tells your toddler that certain behaviours are OK when actually they aren’t.
Whatever tears and tantrums you’re faced with as a result of being consistent, try and soldier on as in the long run it’ll pay off. But don’t fret if you let things go occasionally and fail to stick to your toddler’s routine rigidly. “It’s OK if it’s a one-off and your toddler understands it’s a treat,” says Judy. For example, if he’s stayed up half an hour later because Granny is visiting tell him it’s a special occasion and won’t happen every night.
If you do have to be inconsistent though, for example making a change to your child’s routine, let him know in advance. “Give an explanation he can understand like, ‘In two more sleeps we’ll be doing this’,” says Judy.
