The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule of Follow Through

When it comes to teaching our children to listen and follow rules, be respectful in public or learning how to share, there is a Golden Rule that should be started as soon you can begin to teach your child right from wrong, and that's follow through. If you say No, then you have to mean NO.  Giving in and not letting your child learn that you mean business when you say NO, puts no authority in your first action.

Establishing a calm positive authority in your child's life is easy,and does not require yelling or spanking, but a little bit of persistence, determination, and control;  and can be easily accomplished when you use the golden rule of follow through. Which means, you need to set reasonable guidelines for yourself and your child, and follow through with them.  Don't threaten to send your child to bed without dinner, if you know your going to be in their room in 30mins. with a PB&J sandwich. This sends the wrong message to your child, and sets you up for future discipline problems.  You also want to make sure the punishment fits the crime, making following through easier. Lets face it we all hate punishing our children, but sometimes it is necessary.  Our kids love us as much as we love them, so setting rules and consequences is not going to make them hate you, but respect you.  Following through doesn't just coincide with discipline, it can help you enforce bed time, meal time, or house rules. This gives you the parent, the ability to have a calm assertive authority in your house without empty threats, and with enough practice the follow through will come naturally.

Following through does not just apply to discipline, or motivating your children, it applies to parents as well.  As adults, you need to set a good example to your kids by following through on rewards and promises you make. Its the little things that kids always remember, and will always remind you of. Just as much as you are trying to teach them right from wrong, they unknowingly hold parents accountable for our actions, so it's good to keep your promises to them and follow through.  Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Thank you Mrs. Smith