I think one of the best things you can do as a parent is to be consistent. Kids feel safe and secure when the parent is consistent. I want my kid to know he can depend on me. I’ll admit though, it’s tough. Give a warning and then follow through. Yesterday was one of those days that I said, “Consistent parenting sucks”.
Jasper was not interested in napping yesterday. He played and talked, threw stuffed animals, got up a couple times. After quite some time I made it clear that now was the time for a nap and no more playing. He got up again. So I told him that if he got up one more time he couldn’t go to town with me. (I was headed into town later in the afternoon for a client meeting. The boys had planned to come along and then get groceries after.)
You can probably guess what happened next. Yep, he got up again. Dangit. We told him that he could not go to town. I don’t think he really understood at first. Once it was time for me to leave though, he definitely got it. He started putting his shoes on. I explained again that he couldn’t come with because he didn’t nap. He kissed me on the cheek and said, “I come now?”. Then I knew it was real for him.
Josh said after I left Jasper cried for a bit. He used his fake cell phone to call me. He cried on the phone and said he was sorry and “I go now?”. Oh the agony. I’m glad though we held out and followed through. It’s tough for sure but I think it was definitely worth it. Sometimes being a good parent sucks.
way to hang in there! I love how he kissed you and thought he’d won. Good job sticking to your guns!
If I think back on my own childhood, I know my parents loved me VERY much but they were true to their word in discipline. That’s so important! My mom once told me she’d take the door off if I continued to slam the doors. I never thought she would, but she did! Man, did that ever give me respect for her. Now that I have a kid…even more so. :)
Hope all is well!