Things Only Parents of Boys Will Understand
A Few Things I Know After 15 Years as a ‘Boy Mom’
Hey BoyMoms! I’m sure you can relate to this one! As you (I’m sure) already know, there are certain undeniable gender differences in boys and girls right from the get-go! Read this mom’s funny encounters with her two boys as she reminisces on the penis humor, hunger, emergency room visits, and more! It’s a must read 🙂
Things Only Parents of Boys Will Understand
Boys love their mommies so much!
There are some things only parents of boys will understand. From their unconditional love for their mommas to furniture being turned into their own personal jungle gym, see how many you recognize. This one definitely made me laugh!
The Difference Between Threats and Consequences
Threats are empty and cruel.
Today’s Listen is a podcast from Little Sprigs that discusses the difference between threats and consequences.
Threats teach our children to fear us rather than to problem solve and understand how behavior is related to consequences.
There is a difference between natural and logical consequences and we have to be careful not to exchange the word consequence for punishment. Especially when it is handed down out of frustration and anger.
A natural consequence is one that happens to the child without the parent being involved.
If they touch something hot, they will get burned. If they run in the house and slip, they might bang their head.
A logical consequence is a result arranged by the parent but logically related to what the child did. They help children develop internal understanding, self control, and a desire to follow the rules.
A logical consequence is respectful of the child and help them fix their mistakes and know what to do next time.
This requires the parent to have clear boundaries and put their full attention on what would truly serve the child in the present moment.
For example, if a child does not eat their healthy meal, then the consequence is that the parent cannot serve them dessert. It is logical and connected to the action.
But, not allowing a child dessert because they did not pick up toys, is a punishment.
The dessert has nothing to do with the responsibility of clean up and you are no longer within that frame or boundary.
Consistency is crucial.
If you are not holding the boundaries in the same way every time, your child will not be able to believe you. They begin to think that if they cry hard enough, push back long enough, you will give them what they want.
Give this a listen if you feel like you’ve been struggling with threats vs consequences!