We have discipline issues at our house. Lucas seems to have trouble listening to my words. I am not sure why (there could be so many reasons). I wonder if I talk so much he just ignores what I say (highly likely), or maybe we spend so much time together, he forgets I am the Mama and not the playmate? (This is much less likely - you can be sure I won't let him forget.)
Time spent with Papa on the other hand is different, he minds what Papa says and what Papa wants. For sure we have different parenting styles. I will ask Lucas, "Why did you hit your brother?" Papa would just say "Stop hitting your brother." Do you think that may be it? I think I need some discipline coaching. So if you have any good tips, send them on.
We go through these cycles with Lucas, great over a couple of months, then things start to deteriorate calling for a little "attitude adjustment". Usually it only requires a slight course correction, but that hasn't worked this time. He has had quite a few weeks where he is not able to behave like we expect (and I know what you're thinking - can any child?)
Today was Teacher Conferences in school, and the report from his teacher is that she thinks he is exhibiting more self control than at the start of the school year, and is making good progress. What a relief! At least he is not making trouble for his teachers - only me!
But seriously, I am not quite sure what to do, we've tried rewards, no video game time (a key weapon in our discipline arsenal), and now we're just trying to whittle the rules for him down to 1 - listen to the all-powerful but ineffectual Mama. (Yes, yes, I know that can't be right, but one is in my head and one is the reality.)
I have done what any parent in my position would do - I've gone out and borrowed every book in the library on discipline (actually that may only be 3, and I haven't actually read them yet, or even gotten them for that matter.) In the meantime, I will muddle through until I get some incredible insights or Lucas turns around on his own. I have other things to figure out - like how to get Liam to stop pulling out my hair by the roots when I least expect it, like when I'm tying his shoelaces!
Time spent with Papa on the other hand is different, he minds what Papa says and what Papa wants. For sure we have different parenting styles. I will ask Lucas, "Why did you hit your brother?" Papa would just say "Stop hitting your brother." Do you think that may be it? I think I need some discipline coaching. So if you have any good tips, send them on.
We go through these cycles with Lucas, great over a couple of months, then things start to deteriorate calling for a little "attitude adjustment". Usually it only requires a slight course correction, but that hasn't worked this time. He has had quite a few weeks where he is not able to behave like we expect (and I know what you're thinking - can any child?)
Today was Teacher Conferences in school, and the report from his teacher is that she thinks he is exhibiting more self control than at the start of the school year, and is making good progress. What a relief! At least he is not making trouble for his teachers - only me!
But seriously, I am not quite sure what to do, we've tried rewards, no video game time (a key weapon in our discipline arsenal), and now we're just trying to whittle the rules for him down to 1 - listen to the all-powerful but ineffectual Mama. (Yes, yes, I know that can't be right, but one is in my head and one is the reality.)
I have done what any parent in my position would do - I've gone out and borrowed every book in the library on discipline (actually that may only be 3, and I haven't actually read them yet, or even gotten them for that matter.) In the meantime, I will muddle through until I get some incredible insights or Lucas turns around on his own. I have other things to figure out - like how to get Liam to stop pulling out my hair by the roots when I least expect it, like when I'm tying his shoelaces!
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