A few thoughts
I wanted to share a few thoughts with you today on parenting and consistency. I was sitting here today trying to figure out what to write on the blog this week. I have been committed to posting something every Wednesday for the last 15 weeks. It has been quite a challenge to think of something meaningful to write about and post consistently every single week. That made me think about the importance of consistency in our role as parents.
Why is it important?
Consistency is important in two main areas. One, in our ability to set and follow through with firm limits and two, in providing love and affection for our children. The first one is very important because setting limits with our children creates trust, provides safety and builds emotional connection as well. When our children or teenagers know that they can rely on us to be both firm and loving. A therapist friend of mine explained to me that setting loving limits is like a velvet box. The boundaries are strong and immovable, but also padded. There is compassion, empathy and kindness provided for them along with the strength that our kids need from us.
The challenge
It is easy to love our kids and teenagers when they are following rules, being respectful and staying within our expectations. The challenge comes when they go outside the boundaries that we set, when they do things that frustrate or aggravate us or are just plain defiant. It is tough to still be there with strong limits and follow through along with love. It is so important and necessary.
Those are my thoughts on parenting and consistency today. Give some thought to how you are applying these ideas in your family and within your own parenting style.
What are your biggest challenges in providing consistent love and limits with your kids?
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