The kids who have behaviour issues, learning difficulties or who are just going through one of 'those stages'.
The kids who have full blown tantrums or meltdowns in public.
The kids who test your patience and wear you down like no other. That frustratingly seems to actually enjoy whinging and tries to argue.
The kids who don't make the best of choices and makes you dread emails/phone calls from their school or even kindy.
The ones you can hear other kids talking about ("that boy/girl is sooo naughty...") and the awkward judgy glances from other parents (that you may actually just be imagining).
The kids that can be such little pain in the arses sometimes - but are your babies - and in so many ways also have incredible potential, amazing qualities and so much love to give.
No child or person is perfect - each have their own flaws, stages and struggles.
Every parent deals with difficult or frustrating stages at some point or another. Stages that can make us doubt ourselves & question our capabilities as parents.
Not to mention feelings of embarrassment or fear of our children being judged or our parenting (though alot of the time the people you may think are looking and judging - aren't judging - they can actually relate).
Stay strong. Enjoy the good times & don't let hard days knock your confidence.
You are not alone. It does get easier. Kids grow, we discover new strategies and life goes on. There's a reason your little people belong to you and you belong to them. ❤
Some of the most effective ways I've found to support behaviour and make things easier (with my own kids and in working with children):
▪Try and be calm, supportive and get to the cause of the issue
▪Encourage appropriate ways of dealing with emotions
▪Try to make sure they are getting some quality one on one time and attention regularly
▪Recognize and praise positive behaviours
▪Set clear boundaries and expectations. ▪Make the link between actions and consequences clear and make sure you follow through with consequences
▪Consistency and routine work wonders!
▪Avoid empty threats (e.g. no tv for a year 😂 be realistic)
▪Have fun with them
▪Ask for/don't be afraid to accept help. There are some amazing support services out there for parents and carers.