NANA SAYS NEVER BRIBE OR THREATEN

Unless you have tired everything else and it is the only strategy that works. Encouragement, postive messages and consistency are the cornerstones of good parenting. And lots of love! However, there are days and times that other techniques come into play. Logical consequences for actions is important. " If you touch the hot burner, you will get burnt!" "You were told if you fight over the same toy it will be taken away!" But when you need to shop and have to drag the kids along- if you are good you will get- fries, an ice cream cone or whatever! Bribery! Sometimes necessary for even the great parent! "You will never go to another birthday party again if you do not stop!" The only problem with threats- you know what it is! If you do not carry it out, the child knows you will not carry it out and does not listen anyway nor care! I remember one consequence for actions I laid down. When my girls learnt to drive and took the family car it was very simple- no speeding, no violations or you do not get to drive it again! Driving was not a right! Somehow it worked! Have you ever used bribery? Threats? It is very difficult to be a great parent. Being a good one does take energy! Bedtime really works! We all love our children when they are sleeping- even Nanas!