Alright families, we’re moving on to Tip #3 to Stay Sane this Summer with Kiddos in Tow!

Being proactive in our parenting journey is one of the BEST ways to avoid a lot of misbehavior, tantrums, tears, arguments & power struggles from happening.

Making agreements with our kiddos is a great idea for many reasons:

• Including them in the discussion about rules makes them feel empowered & valued (which decreases their need to misbehave)
• Explaining why rules exist help them to understand that boundaries are created to help keep everyone safe & feeling respected (not just things Mom & Dad make up to be in charge).
• Kids are much more likely to go with the flow when they’ve been respectfully advised of the schedule, plan, rules, etc.
• When discussions are had in calm times (BEFORE emotions are flying high)…lessons about rules & expectations get digested much better!

Some key things to keep in mind when you make agreements with your kids is:

• Be sure to make them in a CALM time (at bedtime the night before a big event, or inside the car as you’re sitting in the parking lot BEFORE you head into the store, etc.)
• Make sure you explain WHY you have a rule (so we can have a peaceful time, so we get invited back for a playdate again, so all of our friends feel respected, so we can spend time laughing instead of fighting, etc.)
• Put your hand softly on their shoulder & ask your child to look in your eyes and repeat the agreement back to you. (grounding them with soft, physical, kind touch, helps them to focus)
• Thank your child for taking the time to make the agreement with you (this helps them feel valued and appreciated, which again WILL decrease their desire to misbehave.)

Next week, we’ll look at the next step which will help you understand what you do AFTER you make these agreements if you’re kids still push back….but it’s important to really practice this step first.

Go try it out & practice making proactive agreements with your kids this week.

Let me know how it goes, I always love hearing success stories or moments of “aha” from you!

If you didn’t see it yet, be sure to watch this 4 minute clip from the KTLA News in Los Angeles where I gave the 5 tips we’re discussing in this 5 week series. Click HERE to watch!

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