Are You a Model Parent?
It’s very important for parents to model the behavior they want their children to choose. And I would imagine that you are very Responsible, Kind, Helpful, Honest, and Respectful. Cheerful is one of those qualities that all of us lose and gain.
As you start this parenting method, your children will start to let you know what Pieces you have lost. It always makes me laugh when my children tell me that I have lost my Cheerful Piece.
No! You’re Not!
I am going to take a wild leap here and tell you that you are NOT modeling the behavior that your children need to learn in order to deal with their own daily dramas. You are probably not dealing with a spouse who rips a toy out of your hands while you’re playing with it. Most likely, your spouse is not trying to trip you every time you pass each other. Your spouse doesn’t wrestle you to the ground when you’ve made them mad, potentially hurting and bruising you. And your spouse is not sneaking into your room and stealing some of your most precious possessions.
Children Need Something Different
You see, children need different examples to help them choose positive behaviors. Children also need to practice appropriate behavior. They don’t magically learn how to say, “May I please have my toy back?” or “You’ve hurt my feelings. Please don’t call me that.” Respectful behavior is taught.
It can be as simple as saying to your child, “Instead of screaming S-T-O-P! You need to use your words, and these are the words you could say. Repeat after me, “You’ve hurt my feelings. Please don’t call me that.” And then have your child repeat those words.
This may sound like a lot of work—and it is—but so is the way you’re parenting right now. By putting in the hard work the first few months will make parenting your children so much easier and enjoyable until they become adults.
Please realize, you are not raising a child. You are raising an adult! An adult who knows how to cook, clean, do laundry, recognize when someone needs help, shares with others, and respects other people. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.
I knew I had to teach my children the behaviors I wanted and I wanted them to practice those behaviors. That’s why I incorporated the practicing of the desired behaviors into Easy As Pie!
Photo: http://tinyurl.com/TheSwedish
What methods do you use to teach and have your children practice the behaviors you want? I’d love to hear your stories!
Comment below.
