Why Some Older Parents Are Hesitant to Disciplineby Myra Turner | More from this Blogger 19 Aug 2006 10:25 AM For some older parents, especially those with one child, discipline can be a dirty word. Although they realize they should be setting limits some are hesitant to do so. Why is this? If you are an older parent with one child, more than likely you and that child will have more than a parent-child relationship-- you will be, dare I say it?--friends. It's only natural since you spend so much time together. And most parents like this feeling. The problem comes in when the child has to be disciplined, and no matter how well-behaved your child is, there will come a time when you will need to discipline them. And for some problems this is where the problem comes in. They find it difficult to switch from friend to parenting mode. By the same token when an older parent knows that they will have just the one child sometimes they simply can't stand being considered too strict. They want the child to like them. They don't want to be considered the "bad guy". At other times a parent may simply not know how to discipline. Especially for those parents with limited experience dealing with children. I have tons of nieces and nephews and have babysat most of them, but nothing and I mean nothing prepares you for the job of being a parent. You can read all the books, listen to all the experts but only real life experience will get you through. In the end the main thing to keep in mind is that you are the parent and there will be times when you will have to wear the mommy hat. And don't worry your kids won't hate you for disciplining them or for being too "strict" . And if you get it right they just might even thank you for it. Here are a few of the many great articles on our site that deal with the issues of discipline. The Better Behavior Wheel http://parenting.families.com/blog/discipline-with-the-better-behavior-wheel Effective Discipline for Single Parents http://single-parenting.families.com/blog/effective-discipline-for-single-parents Why is my child doing That? Understanding Misbehavior http://special-needs.families.com/blog/why-is-my-child-doing-that-understanding-misbehavior Learn more about Myra Turner  I'm a proud mid-life single mom with an active seven-year-old son, Tyler. Relevantparenting tags User Comments  Libby Pelham |
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