Parents have so many decisions to make on a minute by minute basis when dealing with their children. some of the Decisions that we make really upset the entire world around us. The child is crying and complaining, noises that don't usually bother us sound like some one l plugged in an amplifier and everything seemed to speed up to a confusing rate. All this because we made a decision that our child didn't like.
OK, so now what do i do to fix or at least tone down the whole situation? You could send the child to his/her room, make them sit on Time-Out or send them outside to complain so that we can't hear them.
Here is a little story that just took place in our home. My son received a telephone call from his best friend. Yea, the one person in this world that seems to have everything going his way all the time and the person that is permitted to do anything he wants to. Anyway, my son approached me and asked if he could go to his friends house? OH and could he take his bicycle? My son's two wheeled accident waiting to happen was at our permanent camp site that is about a half hour drive from home. I said "That sure is a long way to go for your bike just to ride with your friend for a couple of hours and then you will lose interest in riding, drop the bike and go off playing with something else." Thant of course wasn't the answer my son expected, no he wanted me to say "Sure" He then decided to inform me that the real reason that he needed his bike was so that he and his best friend could ride at the skate park. OMG! You don't have a helmet! You don't have any elbow or knee pads! and you neglected to offer me that information in the beginning of our conversation! That means No way!
I had just dropped the proverbial bomb on my son. Life was over as he knew it. There was absolutely nothing left for him to do..ever again. He was finished cause his best friend could do anything and my son wasn't allowed to do anything!
I gently ask my son to the dinning room table and sat him down to offer this piece of advice.
Son, Have you ever watched the really good bike riders during the competitions? Ya know the professionals? What do they all ware? My son looked down at the table and confessed that they wore safety gear and he understood that but, I'm not going to go that fast and I can't do tricks!
Well, the bike stayed home and the only injury we suffered was his pride. Thank God I had the opportunity understand and apply good sound advice. I knew I had hurt his desires and he felt angry with me but also understood that I was right in my Decision. They usually won't admit it, but they know you are Right.
Parents!, Stick to your decision on an issue with your children. Make them understand that, you have made the Decision to protect them. If they can not see the faults in what they act, you as a good parent should. I always ask my son, what would you say if your child wanted to do that? I normally get a pretty funny answer.
