Mixing it up turns out to be recipe for parenting success
It's such an obvious concept, but one that comes to a shock to all of us. No two of your children will be the same. When you have bub number 1, you get to understand that this is how they like to be held, this is what they love to eat, this is the...
In the latest chapter of her Joyful Chaos parenting column, Kasey Simpson shares a tale of three different kids.
It's such an obvious concept, but one that comes as a shock to all of us. No two of your children will be the same.
When you have bub no. 1, you get to understand that this is how they like to be held, this is what they love to eat, this is the very particular way they like Vegemite spread on this specific cracker on a Tuesday afternoon. And this is even more apparent when it comes to discipline.
Now I know we're all into 'gentle parenting' and bribes don't work for children's souls and future mental health but… my son (the eldest) responded really well to threat. "If you don't put your toys away, Santa won't give you any more this year,' or 'I'm leaving the park so if you don't come now, you'll have to sleep here and I'll come get you in the morning.' (I know – worst parent ever, right?)
But it worked. For my son, getting in trouble is the absolute worst repercussion ever to an act. Which is confusing coming from such a mischievous kid.
When my daughter came along, she was completely different. 'Cool, I don't want Santa to come anyway.' Then came my second son, who wanted nothing more than to sleep at the playground overnight and make friends with the bush rats.
So now I have three kids who all respond to various modes of discipline. There doesn't seem to be a 'one size fits all' approach. In fact, it's more like embarking on an unpredictable rollercoaster where the destination is unknown, and the only constant is change. Or is that just me?
Parenting, you see, is a delightful blend of art and improv. There are no scripts, no rehearsals – just genuine moments where you learn as much from your children as they learn from you. And these are the puzzles that keep you on your toes.
As parents, it's natural to wonder if you're doing it right. Am I? The truth is, there's no definitive answer. Parenting isn't about following a rigid set of rules; it's about adapting, learning and growing – along with your kids.
