Frustration, stress and mental exhaustion – there is so much struggle with following through on punishment with your kids. Yes, it is easier to say nothing and to give in, BUT what will your kids learn? Nothing good. Don’t be a push-over! Kids are very smart; they know how to push your buttons. When you say you’re going to take away their phone, computer, kindle etc… just take it and lock it up. Hide it or whatever you need to do.
Yikes, stress overload. Yep, been their and done that. I do realize the difficulty following though. What to do next? Well, what worked for me was telling my kids they can earn all items back after they do what I asked them to do. Sometimes it worked as quickly as in minutes, and sometimes it took a day or two. Many times I had to go into the garage to take a breath or scream into a pillow. I’d also stay in the bathroom much longer then needed just to get some alone time and get some sanity back, lol… we have all been there.
Following through with punishments will get you respect, and your kids will begin to realize you’re not fooling around. They will do what you ask and complete the task that you want them to do.
The main goal is to stand strong, follow through, and show you’re the parent/adult, not an action lego figure they can tear down and rebuild. Be strong and courage up, You got this!!!
–Angel Krishna
Children’s Books Author
Monkeys and Crocodiles Play Baseball
