There is a very fine line in parenting children that every parent walks daily.  That line is in knowing which battles are worth fighting and which ones are safely, and probably wisely, left for another time or day.  It is very helpful to be thoughtful about which battles are most important to you and to your child's development.  Remembering that in every situation your child is learning something; ask yourself what did they just learn? 

Whereas it may be important to you that your child conform to basic principles of good hygiene, you may want to give them some freedom in how they wear their hair (as long as it stays clean).  Some parents get into a daily battle over this very issue.  As much as we may hate it, remember that they are struggling to develop their sense of identity among their peers and exploring hairstyles is one of the ways they do that.  You may request that while they are with you that you be able to see "both" of their eyes which is an excellent way for them to learn about your "boundaries" and expectations.  In fact, teaching them how to behave around you teaches them respect for others.

Another frequent battle ground is bedrooms (if you can call it that when you can't even find their bed).  Some parents take the approach that it is their space and their responsibility and simply close the door.  Others draw the line at a weekly or monthly cleaning that keeps the space a tad more livable.  There is value to requiring the space be tidy, within the current health guidelines, and safe.  (Some rooms only have a pathway to and from the bed.)   Giving some thought to what you think is most important and the lessons you are teaching can reduce many potential conflicts.

Be sure the battles you choose are the battles you really want to fight.  You don't want to win the battle but lose the war.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO TALK BACK!  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

    * Which battles are most important to you?
    * Which battles did you decide to avoid?

I want to hear your thoughts. Talk back in a comment down below.


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Stumble It!
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by Laura Breite -  Mothering Guide
San Diego, CA
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Editors and publishers are free to reprint this article as long as it's reprinted in its entirety and the signature line remains intact.

Please direct a courtesy copy to laurabreite@mac.com or snail mail it to:
Laura Breite
www.MotheringGuide.com
13422 Sawtooth Rd
San Diego, CA 92129