Welcome to the DAD.Info forum: Important Information β open to read:
Our forum aims to provide support and guidance where it can, however we may not always have the answer. The forum is not moderated 24 hours a day, so If you β or someone you know β are being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999.
Alternatively, if you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried about you or someone you know is at risk of harm, please click here: How we can help
My wife usually puts the older girls (ages 6 and 3) to bed. Tonight I tried to do it and it was a disaster. I put them to bed separately (first the 6 yo and then the 3 yo). They refused to go to the bathroom (they sat down but did not "go.") They refused to brush their teeth. One of us (parents) usually brushes a little bit and they brush a little bit. Tonight I could not even get the toothbrush in the mouth. All the while both of them are yelling, "No! I want mommy!"
My wife asked what the problem was and I said they both refused to do anything. They got to bed eventually but not after screaming and crying. I already fall way short in the parenting and contributions department--how can I get better at this?
I would suggest that this becomes a joint effort between you and your wife for a couple of weeks - they are testing limits, and they need to know that they can't get their way just by playing up. If you and your wife are seen to be agreeing with each other, they'll soon get the hang of it, and your wife can step away more and more.
Thank you that sounds like a good idea
Children love routine, itβs comforting for them, the change in their routine probably contributed to their attitude, rather than your parenting skills.
Parents bring different things to the table, I wouldnβt beat yourself up or downgrade your parenting... your children love you both and you enrich their lives, whether you realise it or not. It will get better.
All the best
Hi There,
I agree, children will often push the boundaries to see what they can get away with, and when the routine was changed they reacted, this isn't a reflection on you as a parent or them as children, they are just doing what most children will do.
I think the idea of a joint effort for a while is a good idea as it's not as much of a change for them.
GTTS
Agree with everything said above and also think a joint effort is probably a good starting point.
Kids eh? π
Welcome to the DAD.info forum.
We donβt like to set βrulesβ, but to make sure that you and the other dads are kept safe, we have some requests. When engaging with the forum, please be aware of the following:
- The forum is not moderated 24 hours per day.
- Many of the moderators do so on a voluntary basis. Whilst they may be able to provide some guidance, advice or support, they may not be able to deal with specifics.
- We are not an emergency crisis service so if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call emergency services.
- If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please click here to find the support you can get for them (link to new page)
- If you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
We hope you find this forum a supportive environment and thank you for joining us.