| If I could give advice to single mums regarding raising | | | | how you think the household rules are working and |
| their kids I would say this: | | | | take suggestions from everyone. Kids will feel valued |
| Give your kids good boundaries. Let your kids know | | | | as you are listening to their opinion, even if you don't |
| exactly what you expect of them. Sit down and talk | | | | agree with them. If you listen to them they will feel |
| to them about these boundaries. Help the kids | | | | loved and appreciated. |
| understand that the household rules are for their | | | | Make sure you look after yourself. I know this is a hard |
| benefit. | | | | one: I am single mum to four children. But I have |
| When kids understand the reason behind rules they | | | | learned over the years that it doesn't pay to neglect |
| are much more likely to abide by them. With my kids I | | | | yourself. I have figured out that if I am happy the kids |
| write down consequences and they are stuck up in | | | | end up benefiting also. At least once a month I make |
| the kitchen in a prominent place. The kids and I have | | | | sure that I go on an outing with one or more friends, so |
| talked about certain consequences such as | | | | that I get that social interaction. Yes, it is often hard foe |
| withdrawal of privileges like play station and desserts | | | | me to organizes to get away. But I recognize the |
| for three days if they are caught using bad language. | | | | importance of doing this simple thing so I do it religiously. |
| This really helps kids. The idea here is that if the kids | | | | All I do is go out dancing with some friends. It doesn't |
| choose to do something such as using bad language, | | | | cost me much money but it is something I love to do |
| they automatically know that they have chosen that | | | | for recreation. And I do feel more relaxed when I have |
| consequence to go with it because they come hand in | | | | been out and ready to tackle my parenting head on |
| hand. And because we have discussed and agreed | | | | again afterwards. |
| upon all consequences the kids are less likely to argue | | | | Lastly, stick to your boundaries. Don't give in. Children |
| about it. | | | | love to push the boundaries but they also want to |
| Don't change the household rules without first notifying | | | | know that you won't waver. They actually feel more |
| the kids. Remember, you are not trying to trick your | | | | secure when they know that there are limits. Don't |
| kids but help them to do the right thing. Family meetings | | | | expect your child to always like you when you are |
| are a great way to communicate. You can sit around | | | | enforcing the boundaries but long term they will always |
| the table on a certain night each week and discuss | | | | thank you. |