It's so hard not to give into that face!
I grew up in a very structured house with clear rules, expectations, and responsibilities. There were consequences for inappropriate behaviour, and we were well aware of them.
One parent was not more lenient than the other, they worked as a team.
At the time I thought they were unfair, overbearing, and awful. I felt like I had no freedom, had to plead every time I wanted responsibility, and was missing out on excitement.
Looking back, I can see that I was given a stable home, independence and the ability to learn from my mistakes.
Now that I have a child of my own, I am quickly learning that consistency, structure, and a united front is crucial in raising a child.
But it is difficult.
Following through, remembering consequences, and not giving in to cute smiling faces can be torture!
As can working together as a team, even when sometimes you don’t agree, supporting one another and being there to encourage your partner when times get rough.
Whenever you bring two people from different backgrounds, potentially different religions and different upbringings, you are faced with the challenge of discovering how you flow as a family.
How far each person can bend until they start to show signs of wear.
Nothing can prepare you for the challenges of parenthood; no amount of reading, parenting classes, or phone calls to seasoned parents; however, a solid foundation, support, and a united front against the children who are inevitably going to attempt to break you will be your saving grace.
Parenting is the hardest job in the world, knowing where you can turn for back up may just help you when the troops get restless.
When your struggling to hold your ground as a parent, who do you turn to for back-up or support?
This is an original post to World Moms Blog by Multitasking Mumma of Canada. You can find her on her blog, Multitasking Mumma, or on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo credit to Saipal. This photo has a creative commons attribution license.
One of my favorite places to seek guidance is the blog The Parenting Passageway (in fact, I found WMB through that blog). I always find something helpful or comforting!
Thank you! Sounds interesting.
I love this post! When I was still married my ex and I were pretty good on this. But moving in with my parents again has been challenging. My mom has became my son’s official lawyer. We would many times but headed over things or over how I discipline my boy which is so hard. I usually vented out to my Dad who understands where I’m coming from and my reasoning. This is very interesting topic and I’d love to read more comments about this.
Thank you! I also find it interesting and I love to hear how others get through the parenting difficulties that arise.
You bring up a very prescient point in our household right now in the war of wills with our two stubborn 2.5 year old twins! Consistency is key but hard to remember and exercise when they are screaming so loudly, isn’t it? So far my husband and I are able to uphold a united front, taking our queues from each other when it’s time to be firm. Sometimes I don’t agree with his tactic should he react before I do, but I make sure to support him so that the kids don’t get confused. Afterwards we discuss whether we should change things next time around. If he and I don’t stick together, we are outnumbered!
Not reacting in front if the kids is something I have to work hard at.
So true! We have a very US against THEM parenting mentality in our house!
Ha I picture you and your husband armed with paintball guns and dressed in camo.
I totally relate to this post!! Keeping consistent when it comes to parenting is a REALLY difficult thing to do!! I struggle with this every day. Great points, Leighann!
Jen 🙂
Thanks Jen. It’s hard work being dm consistent and structured. So much easier to give in.
So true! My husband and I tried so hard to keep consistency on house rules. However, when you are busy, it is hard to do. I don’t know how many times when I tell my son “do this”, he will get back to me “but daddy told me ….” 🙂
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