Kids needs consistency more than any other people on the planet.
What would it be like to wake up in a different house, in a different city, with different clothes, food, family members and language? An extreme example, yes, but this is what it’s like when you’re inconsistent with Jeff.
If the rules and your behavior change from one day to the next, he won’t know what the expectations are and anxiety will erupt.
Predictability enhances confidence and a sense of security.
Yes, it’s a real pain to impose that “no cookies before dinner” rule and it’s tough to deal with his whining and pleading, but you gotta do it. If you’re inconsistent, he’ll call “no fair” and he’ll be right.
As Jeff gets older, he’ll question the rules and pick which ones he wants to follow because that’s what you do. Don’t set him up for failure.
Teach Jeff to be committed to following the rules even if other people aren’t. This training gives him the strength to resist breaking the rules when you’re not around.
Claudia
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