Time Out
If there is one thing I learned when my daughters were young. It’s that there are no hard and fast rules, just the best options and common sense for dealing with the things that come up as our kids are growing up. Books are great for providing references and food for thought, but every child is an individual. What is right for one, does not work with the next child. Discipline for boys and girls differs not because of their gender, but because of the issue you’re addressing, like temper tantrums.
What I found hardest to deal with was the frustration of balancing the rest of my life and obligations with this added stress. Not that they did it that often, but when you’re a working parent coping with a job, home life and child care, it’s really hard to put up with the screaming and kicking. I was unhappy, my little one was unhappy and we both really needed a break.
I got a cute time-out chair, that was just theirs, and where they knew what was expected of them when they used it. If they calmed down, they were allowed to color or bring a toy to the table. That set got a lot of use at times, but it was literally a lifesaver.
